Politics

Massachusetts Democratic Attorney General: ‘America Is Burning. But That’s How Forests Grow’

(Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Henry Rodgers Chief National Correspondent
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Democratic Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey suggested Tuesday that it would be a good thing for America to be burned down in riots for George Floyd’s death in a speech, a statement which she later repeated.

In a speech to the Boston Chamber during a virtual Government Affairs Forum, Healey spoke on the protests and riots across the country in response to Floyd’s death, who died while in police custody after an officer put his knee into the back of his neck for over five minutes while he was handcuffed and on the ground.

During her speech, Healey said “Yes, America is burning. But that’s how forests grow,” which she later tweeted out. This comes as countless businesses have been looted and robbed, police officers have been killed, and buildings have been set to fire in the protests following Floyd’s death.

Republican Attorneys General Association Chairman and Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry responded to the comments in a statement, calling on her to stop encouraging violence. (RELATED: ‘We Will Not Be Cowed By Terrorists’ — Ted Cruz Criticizes Rioters, Says He Is Glad Trump Went To St. Johns Church Amid Protest)

“The wrongful death of any innocent life is a tragedy. That includes George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery, and now the numerous law enforcement officers and business owners who have been killed or assaulted as a result of these riots and domestic terrorism. Criminal elements have infiltrated peaceful protests, and those individuals breaking the law must be held accountable.”

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey waves as he addresses the crowd during the Election Day Massachusetts Democratic Coordinated Campaign Election Night Celebration at the Fairmont Copley Hotel in Boston on November 6, 2018. (JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP/Getty Images)

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey waves as she addresses the crowd during the Election Day Massachusetts Democratic Coordinated Campaign Election Night Celebration at the Fairmont Copley Hotel in Boston on November 6, 2018. (JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP/Getty Images)

“Maura Healey’s inflammatory rhetoric is part of the problem, not a solution. An AG is elected to uphold the rule of law and protect life and property, not to violate their oath and incite additional violence by inflaming emotions and condoning lawlessness,” Landry added. (RELATED: Destruction, Vandalism Left In Aftermath Of Washington, DC Riot)

“AG Healey has an obligation to quell fear, not incite further damage and destruction. I call upon Maura Healey as DAGA co-chair to take down her campaign graphic and to quit fanning the flames of emotion for political gain.”

Meanwhile, Floyd’s family has called for peaceful protesting and has called for the rioting to end.