DALLAS (OR) - Today Polk County District Attorney Aaron Felton issued the following statement on the death of George Floyd and subsequent protests.

“I am shocked, horrified, and outraged by the brutal killing of George Floyd while in police custody. There is simply no legitimate police tactic, policy, or procedure that justifies what occurred. I join with law enforcement professionals throughout the country and within our community who unreservedly condemn the actions of the involved former officers. I send my sincerest condolences to Mr. Floyd’s family and friends for their loss.

I am also deeply troubled by the violent actions of some individuals this past weekend that have distracted attention from the peaceful and honorable protests over Mr. Floyd’s death and called out the very real unchecked inequality in our nation.

As an elected official entrusted with the solemn duty to seek justice and uphold the Constitution, I choose not to remain silent or to look away from the pain our system has caused for so many. Rather, I pledge to learn from the hard lessons of these past days, listen to the voices raised in anguish, and further dedicate myself to the principle of equal justice for all.”