Gov. Kay Ivey responds to protests

As protests around the state and the country have erupted following the death of Minnesota native George Floyd on May 25, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey issued a statement in response to protests in Alabama.

Protests turned into a riot in Birmingham causing the city to declare a State of Emergency and a citywide curfew.

“Like so many others throughout the country and around the world, I, too, was shocked and angered by the tragic actions that led to the senseless death of George Floyd in Minneapolis,” Ivey said in her statement. “It is a death that should have never happened, and it is a tragedy for which too many people, especially African Americans, are all too familiar.

“Regretfully, the natural anger and frustration of Mr. Floyd’s death has now spread to our state and what started out as peaceful protests in some of our cities yesterday afternoon turned ugly last night.”

Ivey cited Troy native and current Georgia Congressman John Lewis – a noted civil rights leader – in asking Alabamians to remain peaceful amongst protests.

“While no state has a richer history than Alabama in terms of using peaceful protests to lead the country – and the world – to positive change, I agree with Alabama native, Congressman John Lewis, who this weekend said, ‘rioting, looting and burning is not the way,’” Ivey said. “Congressman Lewis marched alongside other Alabamians who would go on to become one of the heroes of the movement. They were young, brave and determined.

“Many were beaten, arrested and jailed but they all – Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Dr. Ralph David Abernathy, Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, attorney and civil rights activies Fred Gray and others – led the fight for change in a peaceful way.”

Ivey emphasized that she will continue to support residents and their right to peacefully protest but destruction and violence will not be tolerated.

“I will always support the right of the people of Alabama to peacefully lift your voices in anger and frustration,” Ivey said. “After all, our great country was born out of the desire to be free and the desire for freedom has repeatedly led to making positive changes for the betterment of society.

“However, we will not allow our cities to become a target for those, especially from other states, who choose to use violence and destruction to make their point. What I saw happen last night in Birmingham was unbecoming of all those who have worked to make Birmingham the great city it is. Going forward, this cannot be tolerated. State assets are available to any local government that makes the request. We will show respect to ourselves and to each other through this process.”

Ivey further announced that she has given authorization to Adjutant General Sheryl Gordon of the Alabama National Guard to activate up to 1,000 Guardsmen, “should the need arise in response to violent protesters.”

Ivey said this was strictly a preparedness measure.

“While there is no immediate need for us to deploy our Guard, I have given the authorization to (Gordon) to be on standby, should our local and state law enforcement need additional support,” Ivey said. “The Alabama National Guard stands ready to assist when peaceful protests become violent and dangerous to our public safety.”