Statement from Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft

Published on April 29, 2021

Just last week I issued a statement saying that we as a society have a long way to go to ensure that every person, regardless of race, background or economic status is treated fairly, especially by those who are sworn to uphold the law. 

Now, here in Alameda, we face our own tragedy.  This week, our hearts are heavy with the news that Mario Gonzalez died on April 19, in the custody of the Alameda Police Department.  Nothing we do will bring back his life. The epidemic of people’s lives being lost during police custody is a national disgrace that must be honestly addressed and stopped, whether it occurs in Alameda, Elizabeth City, Minneapolis, or Chicago.

What I said last week is worth repeating:
“Police officers must be held to a standard of conduct beyond reproach. Those who don’t should face consequences. Our hope is that this tragic ongoing chapter in American life will bring long overdue changes to the laws we all are sworn to uphold, but also to how we as Americans treat each other. We must use this opportunity to challenge the way we think, how we treat one another, and how we provide police services. We are committed to making sure that Alameda leads this effort.”

Changes to how police conduct themselves will demand a new way of thinking and improved ways of responding. It will require all of us, Alameda elected officials, police officers and citizens working together.

While perspectives may differ, one thing is clear: We need to look seriously at how police are recruited and trained, and we must all demand improvements. We must all be held accountable.

How we in Alameda respond to this tragedy will define our city and our commitment to meaningful reform. Taking leadership on this issue will not be easy, but we can and must meet this challenge head on.