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Houston Police Department Chief Art Acevedo calls for unity
Houston Police Department Chief Art Acevedo talks about his speech that went viral and opens up about his call for unity ahead of George Floyd’s Texas memorial service.
Houston Police Department Chief Art Acevedo called for unity during his appearance on Good Day LA Tuesday, just hours before George Floyd’s Texas memorial service.
George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died while in police custody in Minneapolis called Houston home.
RELATED: Continuing coverage on the death of George Floyd
Acevedo was in a video that went viral last week for a heartfelt moment in front of demonstrators.
Filled with passion and emotion, he shared his love for Houston and also said “If you have hate in your heart for people of color, get over it,” denouncing racism.
“We have been marching with protesters and were able to share a lot of pain and do a lot of listening,” he said when asked by FOX 11’s Rita Garcia what went through his mind at that moment. He also said he spoke from the heart.
On Monday, the Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore issued an immediate moratorium on training and use of carotid artery restraints, also known as sleeper holds.
RELATED: LAPD issues immediate moratorium of carotid restraint control hold
Departments across the nation have implemented similar policies in wake of Floyd’s death.
“The only way that you should touch someone’s neck as a police officer is if you’re truly fighting for your life,” Acevedo said.
He also called for leadership from The White House and said President Donald Trumps's lead is crucial to how the nation moves forward.
“This is the time for leadership…you have to remain hopeful that his heart will be touched and that if he weighs in, it’ll be to help…to extinguish the flames and reduce the anger.”
In addition, Acevedo called for unity.
“We all need to come together and speak in a way that brings unity and reconciliation.”
Acevedo has ties to California. He was named the Chief of the California Highway Patrol in 2005 before relocating to Texas.
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