Hundreds gathered on the steps of Richmond City HallTuesdayto hear the apology of Mayor Levar Stoney. That’s after the city’s police force fired tear gas into a peaceful rally Monday evening.
A chaotic and tense dialogue unfolded as protestors vented their pain and demanded answers. Mayor Stoney, facing the crowd, was often shouted down and his hands were shaking at times as he spoke.
He often handed the mic over to others, including a young girl who told him she was afraid of being teargassed by police.
The crowd mostly silenced for his response to her.
“I don’t want you to think like that,” Stoney said. “We broke our promise to you and to your people. That happened. And there are no words that can take back what happened. And that’s why I’m here to apologize.”
But the crowd demanded more, including the immediate firing of the officers involved. The mayor promised disciplinary action, but didn’t give details.
At one point, Virginia Union University graduate Natalie Andre’ directly addressed the city’s police Chief William Smith.
“Some of y’all are saying ‘All lives matter’ well let me tell you something…. All lives don’t f***ing matter because my life don’t matter,” Andre’ said passionately to loud cheers.
One of the few moments of supportive cheers for the Mayor came when Stoney promised to march with the people Tuesday evening at 6 p.m.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.