Batesville, IN—Monday evening’s Batesville City Council meeting met back in the Memorial Building to a large crowd. Several people were present to discuss the canceled vigil and the City’s role. Two people spoke in regards to their level of disappointment in the City for pressuring organizers to cancel the vigil. Their passion was recognized and discussed by the Council, Mayor Bettice, and Police Chief Stan Holt. All five members of the Council also addressed their thoughts including Jim Fritch, who apologized for the misinterpretation of his conversation with those in attendance at a previous demonstration at the Village Green.
Chief Holt was very transparent about his role. Chief Holt stated Monday evening that at no time did the City tell organizers to cancel the planned vigil and made it clear to the organizer that it was her right to hold such an event and that with enough information and time, he could provide ample safety for such an event. Chief Holt also noted that as word got out, several business owners contacted the City with concerns. The Chief arranged for all Batesville Police officers to be on duty last Thursday for the event and arranged stand by assistance from the Franklin, Ripley, and Dearborn Sheriff Departments to keep the community and those demonstrating safe. The City released a statement on Friday condemning the events that took place in Minneapolis that lead to the death of George Floyd. The City’s original concern according to Chief Holt was if a safety plan was thought out from the event and apologized for the rocky start with communication, but is happy to be talking to the organizers to create a new event for the community.
During the City Council meeting, a group of over 60 people met around the Batesville Bike park and held a peaceful demonstration that included reading the names of the black men and women killed by police brutality, as well as the last words of George Floyd. Several people spoke and 8 minutes and 46 seconds of silence were observed in remembrance of all those killed. The group closed the evening with writing messages in chalk around the parking area.
