Target: Mike Elliott, Mayor of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota
Goal: Applaud city council for passing resolution calling for resignation of police chief after the shooting of Daunte Wright.
Tim Gannon resigned as Police Chief of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota in the wake of the death of Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man who was fatally shot by an officer during a traffic stop. Gannon initially stated that he had no plans to give in to calls for his resignation. The City Council expressed support of relieving Gannon of his duties after Gannon was criticized for how the police department has dealt with the death of Daunte Wright and the protests that erupted as a result of Wright’s death.
Previous to his stepping down, Gannon said that he supported his department’s response to protests. Police officers used tear gas on activists and, when asked about the use of force to mitigate protests, Gannon said that he would not have done anything differently. Gannon was also criticized for his choice of words following the death of Wright. He stated that he believed the fatal shot was an “accidental discharge.” He also described the civil unrest as a “riot” as opposed to a protest.
Part of the systemic change that needs to happen with American policing involves current leaders being held accountable for their actions and mindsets and stepping down when they are not in line with the values of the people that they serve. Sign this petition to applaud Mayor Mike Elliott and the City Council for pressuring Tim Gannon to step down as police chief.
PETITION LETTER:
To Mayor Elliott,
Policing in America needs to change, and change is neither easy nor comfortable. I would like to applaud your resolution to call for Tim Gannon’s resignation as Brooklyn Center Police Chief. The removal of Gannon creates an opportunity for change to accelerate and also is responsive to the community that you serve. A shift in policing calls for elected officials to hold individuals accountable for their actions and their contributions to policing cultures. Thank you for committing to positive changes for the people of Brooklyn Center and ensuring that police leaders are willing to hold their officers accountable.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: YouTube
177 Signatures