PEORIA,Ill. — Violence won’t stop violence.
Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis told WMBD’s Greg and Dan, he’s saddened and disappointed regarding the violence that occurred overnight Sunday that left businesses vandalized and fires set across town.
“People will get defensive. People will protect their homes and their property. And, it’s just hard to de-escalate that. And, again, this is as is usual, a relative small group of people. Their purpose was to be disruptive,” Ardis said.
Vandalism, arson, a stabbing and a shooting followed a weekend of anti-police protests, rioting and looting across the nation in response to the death of George Floyd while he was in police custody a week ago in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
“The problem is that it doesn’t allow the rest of us that want to tackle these tough issues to have those discussions,” Ardis said.
Ardis said Peoria Police is assessing the situation and its manpower in response to the violence.
Ardis praised the City’s police officers that have put in many long hours over the past few days. He said Peoria will get through this tough time, hopefully sooner than later.
