Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
Read LAPD Chief Michel Moore's Apology: 'Looting Is Wrong, But It Is Not The Equivalent Of Murder'
LAPD Chief Michel Moore. (Screenshot from Mayor of Los Angeles Facebook page)
Appearing at a news conference Monday night with L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti, LAPD Chief Michel Moore made this statement:
"We didn't have protests last night. We had criminal acts. We didn't have people mourning the death of this man, George Floyd. We had people capitalizing. His death is on their hands, as much as it is those officers."
Then at 11 p.m. Monday, Moore issued this statement:
During a press conference earlier today, I misspoke when making a statement about those engaging in violent acts following the murder of Mr. George Floyd.
While I did immediately correct myself, I recognize that my initial words were terribly offensive. Looting is wrong, but it is not the equivalent of murder and I did not mean to equate the two. I deeply regret and humbly apologize for my characterization.
Let me be clear: the police officers involved were responsible for the death of Mr. George Floyd.
Organizers of the protests are specifically upset about the level of funding for the LAPD, which has been exempted by Garcetti from deep budget cuts necessary due to economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
MORE COVERAGE:
- LA Civil Rights Leader On Police Brutality, Protests: We're In The Last Battles Of The Civil War
- Protests In LA Day 6: Floyd's Memory 'Deserves A Better Los Angeles... A Better World'
- KPCC/LAist Reporters Tear-Gassed, Shot With Rubber Bullet
- Black Lives Matter-LA Leader Explains 'Very Deliberate' Choice To Demonstrate In Upscale Neighborhoods
- 'Righteous Anger.' LA Weighs In On Another Day Of Protests
- LA Councilman Mike Bonin: 'We Need To Pay Attention To The Violence Of Systemic Racism'
- These Recent Events Are A LOT — Tell Us Your Story Or Ask A Question
- How LA Is Reckoning With The George Floyd Protests
- Mis Ángeles: George Floyd Should Be Home With His Family Right Now
- George Floyd's Death Is One Of Many Reasons Activists Are Pushing For A 'People's Budget' In LA
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
