We must talk, listen, and seek common ground and solutions that address racial bias, prejudice, equal rights, and due process for all
– Virginia Korte
Last Saturday evening in Scottsdale, over 500 rioters deliberately looted and destroyed property.
Many citizens have reached out to me inquiring why police were unable to halt the violence. Eighty-five officers were outnumbered by people who were focused on doing damage and inciting fear. No lives were lost, thankfully, but outrage lingers in residents’ minds.
The one-week curfew of 8 p.m. initiated by Governor Ducey has helped Arizona’s larger cities begin to reclaim the calm that existed before the legal, peaceful protests were hijacked, becoming dangerous and damaging aggression toward people and property.
Police continue to investigate who is responsible for ravaging our City and will hold them accountable.
I will be recommending a special task force on race relations. We must talk, listen, and seek common ground and solutions that address racial bias, prejudice, equal rights, and due process for all. Ours must return to a peaceable city about which all citizens are proud, feel secure, and embrace the future with hope.
The Scottsdale Police Department is “committed to safeguarding the lives and property of the Scottsdale community” and to promoting emergency preparedness. As this is an ongoing situation, the information will be available for analysis in the days and weeks ahead. We are a strong city and one that is resilient.
An evaluation of our preparation, staffing, response, and request for assistance from other jurisdictions is forthcoming.
Editor’s note: Ms. Korte is a member of Scottsdale City Council and seeking the mayor’s post at the August primary election
