Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a Republican presidential candidate, says the people of his state should not “give into anger and frustration” if they doubt “justice was served” in the Tamir Rice case.
On Monday, it was announced that a grand jury in Cuyahoga County declined to bring charges against the police officers who shot and killed the 12-year-old in 2014 after reports that he was pointing a gun at people. The weapon turned out to be an Airsoft replica.
“Tamir Rice’s death was a heartbreaking tragedy and I understand how this decision will leave many people asking themselves if justice was served,” Kasich said. “We all lose, however, if we give into anger and frustration and let it divide us.”
Added Kasich: “We have made progress to improve the way communities and police work together in our state, and we’re beginning to see a path to positive change so everyone shares in the safety and success they deserve. When we are strong enough together to turn frustration into progress we take another step up the higher path.”