Providence Councilor Who Leads Fight to Defund Police Issues Statement After Shooting in Ward
Saturday, August 14, 2021
Kat Kerwin, the City Councilor (Ward 12) who has been an outspoken critic of the Providence Police, has weighed in on the latest shooting in her ward.
Kerwin, along with fellow City Rachel Miller (Ward 13), were the two initial council members to lead the fight to cut Providence’s police budget -- which they called "defund."
Kerwin on Friday issued a press release that stated, "I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the news of the shooting of a 26-year-old man on Smith Hill last night. I am left, like so many other community members, wondering who could be the next victim and how we can restore a sense of safety in our neighborhood. To the victim’s family, I offer my prayers and condolences. To the Smith Hill community, I ask for your support. Be it the police or myself, no one person alone can end this disturbing violence. But together, we can.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTRegarding other recent violent incidents in her ward, Kerwin refused to respond to questions. Reached on Friday after she issued a press release, she refused to answer questions about her position on violence in Providence or regarding police department funding.
When asked if she thought the police budget should continue to be cut, Kerwin hung up.
Another Kerwin Police Controversy
Kerwin was the center of a controversy with Providence Police in July 2020.
GoLocalProv.com was first to report Kerwin told police that downtown neighbors should “f—king get over it,” after a complaint was made about loud music at a bar — that was not licensed for entertainment.
SEE VIDEO BELOW
Police had received a complaint of loud music around 10:30 PM on July 22 at Fortnight in Providence.
Following the incident, police body cam footage of the incident has been released.
Police asked if Fortnight had proper permits for entertainment and were informed they did not.
In the report, Kerwin, who was at the bar, went to intervene, and was told by the police the issue “did not concern her.”
“If they live downtown, they can f—king get over it,” said Kerwin according to the report, of people complaining about the loud -- and unlicensed -- music.
Kerwin can be heard telling the officer just after the 1:50 mark.
A Providence Police officer can also be heard saying on video, “[Kerwin] said she was going to call [Chief] Clements and ask for everyone’s names.”
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