INTERVIEW
His rant against Donald Trump has gone around the world. Houston police chief Art Acevedo advised Donald Trump to "shut his mouth" if he had "nothing constructive to say" about the death of George Floyd on CNN news on Monday . The policeman reiterated his criticisms on Friday morning on Europe 1.
"You have to know how to stand up, we are the United States of America. We have to bring each other hope. People who don't want to move the debate the right way would do better to say nothing pouring oil on the fire is useless ", denounced Art Acevedo. George Floyd, the African American killed by white police in Minneapolis, is from the city of Houston, where his funeral will be on Monday.
Houston Police chief Art Acevedo advises Donald Trump to "shut his mouth" if he has nothing more constructive to say. # ThisIsAmericapic.twitter.com / CDICVn7iVz
- Josly Ngoma (@josly_ngoma) June 2, 2020"We hope the president will be in a more constructive speech with the American people"
Since the protests against the death of George Floyd began, President Donald Trump has adopted a harsh, even martial, stance. A political line which aroused strong criticism, including within the Republican party. "I think he gives an individual assessment to each person under his command. We now need words that count, we don't need lessons from any leader in the country," said Art Acevedo.
"We all need to come together to express ourselves in a way that promotes wound healing, that promotes trust and responsibility, which will lead to peace and reconciliation. We must move forward and we hope that the president will be in a more constructive speech with the American people. "
"We must put away the police who violate the oath of confidence"
"The only thing that could put out the flames of hatred and anger is love. There is only love, so I hope we can love each other and that we will arrive at a policy and laws which put aside officers who violate the oath of confidence ", assured Art Acevedo, with reference to the (white) police officers responsible for the death of George Floyd.
"They are no longer police officers. Those who do their job well deserve to do everything we can to remove all those who violate the code of honor of the American police," he said.
Houston, the city where George Floyd grew up
Houston was particularly moved by the death of George Floyd, who grew up (and where part of his family lives) in the Texas city. His funeral, which will take place on Monday, is expected to welcome a huge crowd from all over the United States.
"We expect the protests to continue, but in a calm environment. Houston is the big American city with the most varied population. So far the communities are in a great state of mind. There may be anger , but we all love this city, Houston is strong and we do whatever it takes to keep everyone safe, "said Art Acevedo.