Ventura County deploys 40 deputies to assist in Los Angeles riots
VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. - The County of Ventura announced on Saturday that they have sent 40 Sheriff's deputies to Los Angeles to assist in their response to the riots that have broken out this week.
Riots, violence and chaos have broken out nationwide in response to George Floyd's death on Monday.
Many of these riots have become violent with buildings going up in flames. Hundreds of protestors are even breaking into stores and stealing and vandalizing everything they can.
With the riots and unrest so out of hand, outside counties want to offer their support to help protect the citizens, neighborhoods and businesses of Los Angeles.
The County said that the actions of one officer does not reflect on the entire profession of peace officers. Law enforcement hopes to bring peace to these communities during such difficult times.
The County additionally provided a statement from Sheriff Bill Ayub that says:
“I have been in the law enforcement profession for more than 30 years, and I have worked closely with hundreds of peace officers over the years – some of the finest human beings by any measurement with pure intentions and a tireless work ethic to grow trust between the community and its police.
Earlier this week, I watched in disgust with the rest of the nation as a careless Minneapolis police officer knelt on the neck of George Floyd and snuffed out his life while several other officers looked on. I usually do not comment on reports of police abuse around the country, as there is often much more to the stories than is reported in the media. I prefer to have all the facts before forming an opinion or jumping to a conclusion. In this case, however; the rest of the story cannot possibly justify the behavior revealed in the video and the senseless loss of life that resulted. Each of these officers clearly and unforgivably failed in their essential duty to care for George Floyd, and they have damaged the progress tens of thousands of noble peace officers in this country have worked hard and continue to work hard to achieve.
Although I would never support violent and destructive protests, I stand with peace officers and law enforcement leaders in Ventura County and throughout the nation in contempt of the abusive behavior that led to the death of George Floyd and in support of the message that this type of behavior by those sworn to protect our communities must stop. As long as I have influence, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office will continue to recruit employees of the finest caliber, provide the best training and equipment, and demand our employees are held to the highest professional and ethical standards. We simply cannot be effective at our mission without the trust and confidence of the citizens we serve.”
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The County's announcement to send deputies comes on the same day the Los Angeles mayor instated a downtown curfew of 8 p.m. to help keep the streets clear and calm.
