STATEMENT FROM COMMUNITY LEADERS OF COLOR REGARDING FIRE AT SGT. BRYAN BANGS' HOME

"We are saddened and troubled to hear that Sgt. Bryan Bangs' home has been badly damaged by fire, and are grateful that he is alive. We extend our sympathy to him and his family. If this was arson or precipitated by criminal motives, we strongly condemn this abhorrent violence against Sgt. Bangs.

"We understand the need for a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and we expect and encourage that it will be conducted in a respectful and professional way and ask that people cooperate fully. We also expect the investigation to not indiscriminately target any one group of people.

"We continue to strongly urge the community to engage in calm, thoughtful conversation and peaceful work for improvements in police community relations."

Written on behalf of all the members of Community Leaders of Color (CLOC), Pastor Ronald Benson, Laura Branca, Gino Bush, J.R. Clairborne, Leslyn McBean-Clairborne, Audrey J. Cooper, Marcia J. Fort, Jemila Sequeira, Ricardo Williams, Pastor Nathaniel Wright