Governor John Bel Edwards and Louisiana State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson were in Washington, D.C. Wednesday. They were part of a meeting called by President Obama to discuss recent shooting deaths in Louisiana, Minnesota and Dallas. They were joined by other law enforcement and elected officials, as well as civil rights activists.
In Baton Rouge, Cameron Sterling, the fifteen-year-old son of Alton Sterling, spoke out about the events of the past week.
“I feel that people in general, no matter what the race is, should come together as one united family. There should be no more arguments, disagreements, violence, crimes -- everyone should come together as one united family," said Sterling.
Standing in front of the convenience store where his father was fatally shot by Baton Rouge police last week, the teen urged protesters to remain peaceful.
“Yes, you can protest," he said, "but I want everyone to protest the right way - protest in peace. Not guns, not drugs, not alcohol, not violence. Everyone needs to protest in the right way, with peace. No violence. None, whatsoever.”
The family’s attorney, L. Chris Stewart, hoped having Cameron speak could calm some of the tension.
“They don’t need to be put out, because what’s happening is positive. Voting rights didn’t come for free. Women’s rights didn’t come for free. There’s always a struggle with change, and there must be change in policing,” said Stewart.
He also expressed concerns about upcoming legal proceedings that may result from this case.
“Keep it fair. That’s all we ask, is keep it fair. We want this family to get fairness. Fairness. Will the Attorney General give them fairness? Will there be diversity in the proceedings to get them fairness?” he asked.
Cameron Sterling travels to Washington, D.C. today to participate in a town hall with the President. His father, Alton, will be buried on Friday.
“Everyone should be together," said Sterling, "not against each other."