Mr. Mayor and Members of the Commission,

I have had an opportunity to speak with each of you about this incident.  The message below has been provided to the media.

Message from the City Manager

Parishioners worshipping at Gainesville Christian Center on NE 16th Avenue Sunday morning were interrupted when Gainesville Police Department (GPD) officers, who were actively pursuing a fleeting subject who had been tased, entered the location. The subject was apprehended and arrested inside the Gainesville Christen Center.

I can only imagine how deeply this has affected the parishioners in attendance. It is also extremely upsetting to me that this occurred in the presence of families and children. However, the first and foremost priority for the officers was the safety and security of the parishioners.

I, myself, was attending services when church leader Pastor Lenard Gainey called myself and Police Chief Nelson Moya. I left my own church service to meet with the congregation and hear firsthand from those who witnessed the incident.

GPD is reviewing the incident, and I want to assure the parishioners that I am working closely with Chief Moya who is in communication with Pastor Gainey. I know this incident has raised serious concerns within our community. Still, it is vital to understand all details about this arrest and the perspectives of all those involved to address the lingering concerns about this incident throughout the community.

Cynthia W. Curry

City Manager