Mayor Edwin M. Lee today issued the following statement on violence during last night’s Ferguson protests in San Francisco:

“I respect the rights of those who peacefully protest to have their voices heard about the serious events unfolding in Ferguson, Missouri. Our heartfelt condolences continue to go out to the family of Michael Brown who are suffering a profound loss. As President Obama is committed to a thorough investigation by the Justice Department and the FBI, the eyes of the nation are focused on the important issues being raised by the Grand Jury’s refusal to indict Officer Wilson.
 
In San Francisco, our police department and our communities strive to work as partners to strengthen lines of communication and build trust. This is a time to learn, grow and strengthen that trust, not a time to commit pointless violence. Our police department keeps us all safe while facilitating people’s right to express themselves through peaceful protest. Those who co-opt meaningful demonstrations for the purpose of vandalism, looting, and harming police officers disrespect the memory of Michael Brown and diminish the voices we need to hear right now. This behavior will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable and prosecuted.

As we move forward, let us live the words of Dr. King that ‘non-violence is a powerful and just weapon’ and work together to heal as quickly as possible. In order to truly begin the process of healing, we must see an end to the acts of violence in the streets of Ferguson and cities around our country.”