MARCHAND, Ara -- Despite impassioned pleas from Black Lives Matter activists and local officials, Armana Governor Leandra Kemmes will not order police to stop using tear gas against violent protesters.
Marchand Mayor Tom Mallowry and the city's councilors voted to prohibit local police from using tear gas on BLM protesters, calling it "cruel and excessive."
However, local police have pointed to a state law that says police agencies are allowed to utilize tear gas unless and only if state lawmakers or the governor issues an order prohibiting it.
"Tear gas does not fall under the jurisdiction of the mayor or the city council," said Marchand Police Chief John Ross. "The only ones who can dictate the use of tear gas are the legislature and/or the governor through an executive order."
Penelope County Sheriff Kim Wyott also voiced his support for tear gas.
"It's a tool we don't want to use as members of law enforcement, but unfortunately, sometimes it is the last resort we have to use when safety and security are threatened by violent protesters," said Wyott in an interview with the local newspaper.
A spokesman for Governor Kemmes said the governor would not issue an executive order banning tear gas.
"While Governor Kemmes fully supports the BLM movement and the peaceful demonstrations, she will not wade into this issue. It's an issue best left up to the judgment of law enforcement and local officials."
The spokesman added that "state legislators can take up the issue if they feel it necessary, and Governor Kemmes is willing to sit down with them and discuss the use of tear gas in large-scale protest situations."
Mayor Mallowry was unmoved.
"This is a moment when we need a strong governor who shows leadership, and that's just not what we're getting from our governor, sadly" he said.
Kemmes, who is of mixed Caucasian, Asian and Black heritage herself, said last week she "fully supports" the BLM movement.
"I know what it's like to be a person of color. I went to the military and experienced discrimination and judgment there. I've experienced discrimination from law enforcement before too. I know what it's like and I support those who are rightly calling attention to this issue."
"What I don't support is breaking windows, setting fires, throwing Molotov cocktails, throwing items at police, looting, rioting. I can't get behind that," said Kemmes.
A moderate Nationalist, Ms. Kemmes is known for her tough-on-crime and her law-and-order emphasis.
However, her response to the violent protests in Marchand, Mavocke and Dubrind has earned her scorn from the left-wing of the NAT Party.
"It's disappointing that a governor who is a woman and a woman of color is not more engaged and concerned about police brutality and violence against people of color," said BLM activist DaQueesha James, in response to Kemmes' decision.
Kemmes is up for re-election this year, however, no Nationalists challenged her in the primary election. She is facing little-known Conservative businessman Bob Hefner in the general election.
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