Cleveland Mayor on Minneapolis Shooting: "This is Not How We Should Be Living"

Response to Minneapolis School Shooting

• 💔 The shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school, which killed two young children and injured 17 others, is described as a senseless and heinous tragedy.
• 😔 Mayor Bibb expresses his heart goes out to Mayor Fry and the community, emphasizing the need for collective action to prevent such violence.
• ⚠️ He stresses the importance of keeping guns out of the hands of individuals who should not possess them.

Advice for Families and Communities

• 🤗 Families are urged to tell their children they love them and hug them tighter, acknowledging the fragility of life.
• 🗺️ The importance of having a family game plan for emergencies, including mass shootings, is highlighted.
• 😥 The current state of violence in churches, grocery stores, and malls is lamented, with the statement that "this is not how we should be living as a nation."

Mayors on the Front Lines

• 🏙️ America's mayors are actively working to reduce violent crime and remove illegal guns from streets.
• ❓ There's a call to question why the nation isn't working harder to solve the problem of gun violence.
• 🗣️ The sentiment of being "sick and tired of thoughts and prayers" is expressed, with a demand for real action and support.

National Guard Deployment and Security

• 🛡️ Safety is presented as a non-partisan issue, a basic moral contract of society.
• 📉 Mayor Bibb shares that in Cleveland, homicides have seen a nearly 47% reduction since he took office, indicating progress but acknowledging more work is needed.
• 🚫 The deployment of the National Guard is questioned, with the mayor stating it is not the solution and is being used for political theater.
• 🤝 A strong federal partner is crucial for mayors to keep cities safe, citing the success of a crime gun intelligence center and increased police pay in Cleveland.
• 💸 Cuts to violence prevention programs are criticized, advocating for a president who will partner with mayors.

Federalism and National Guard's Role

• 🏠 The governor of Ohio is acknowledged as a partner in public safety, but the National Guard's role is debated.
• 🇺🇸 The mayor believes the National Guard should focus on preparing for natural disasters like wildfires and hurricanes, not domestic security issues.
• 🏛️ There's a concern that the current approach by the Republican party contradicts principles of federalism and home rule.