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Gainesville Mayor Responds To Grand Jury Decision On Ferguson

Gainesville's Mayor Ed Braddy issued a statement yesterday addressing the situation in Ferguson, Missouri.

"The grand jury decision in Ferguson, Missouri has implications that extend to our own community, for Gainesville is a city committed to liberty, justice and equal opportunity for all," Braddy said.

Braddy went on to say, "I want to reaffirm that Gainesville's municipal government honors the First Amendment rights of every citizen to peaceably assemble and express their views on this matter."

Moreover, Braddy welcomes anyone who wishes to speak about the matter, to stop by the City Commissionaires office.

"With my colleagues on the City Commission, our door is open to anyone who wishes to talk about the impact of today's events on our community. We are all in this together. With malice toward none and charity for all, Gainesville will continue to grow and become a place of which we can all be proud. May God continue to bless our great city," said Braddy.

At 6 p.m. the International People's Democratic Uhuru Movement, along with Black is Black Coalition will engage in a mass protest at the Alachua County courthouse.

The purpose of tonight's protest is to have "community control of the police," according to Chimurenga Waller, People's Democratic Uhuru Movement organizer of Gainesville.

They want to bring awareness to the black community, and to stop the "unnecessary deaths of black men."

When asked if tonight's protest will be peaceful, Waller said, "I don't know. We will see."

Michelle is a reporter who can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.