Georgia leaders, celebrities react to protests in wake of George Floyd’s death

Protests over the death of George Floyd have been gaining national attention. The ones in Atlanta Friday started off peaceful but later turned into violent demonstrations and looting of local businesses.

Local politicians, business owners and celebrities have all shared their reactions to Floyd’s death and the protests that unraveled in Atlanta.

[RELATED: “If you care about this city then go home": Atlanta mayor, police chief call protests a disgrace]

Here are statements that Channel 2 Action News have gathered so far.

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms

“What we saw overnight was not a protest, and it was not Atlanta. We as a people are strongest when we use our voices to heal our city instead of using our hands to tear it down. We know our citizens are angry. We are angry and we want justice. If we are to enact change in this nation, I implore everyone to channel their anger and sorrow into something more meaningful and effective through non-violent activism."

Atlanta rapper and advocate Killer Mike

“We have to be better than this moment. We have to be better than burning down our own homes because if we lose Atlanta what else do we have?” Watch Killer Mike’s entire impassioned speech here.

Outkast’s Big Boi

“My Fellow ATLIENS, Beware of who is among you , I saw at least 20 arrest on Live TV last nite , and it wasn’t Us , there are snakes among u,” the rapper posted on Instagram.

Rep. John Lewis

The Atlanta Civil Rights icon took to Twitter to express his frustrations with looters, writing:

“I know your pain, your rage, your sense of despair and hopelessness. Justice has, indeed, been denied for far too long. Rioting, looting, and burning is not the way. Organize. Demonstrate. Sit-in. Stand-up. Vote. Be constructive, not destructive.”

Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler

“In the wake of George Floyd’s tragic death, many Americans are rightfully angered and in pain,” said Loeffler. “The Floyd family and our country need answers immediately. As we continue to call for justice, I’m encouraged to see Minnesota authorities have swiftly taken action.

“While our anger and grief are intense and justifiable, the destruction we have seen across the country is not. Last night, we saw this in Atlanta, which has a long history of peaceful protests. Americans have a Constitutional right to speak out and peacefully assemble, but that’s not what we saw last night. For decades, Atlanta has served as an example for the country on how to make a difference peacefully. We must carry on that legacy moving forward, and I commend Governor Kemp, Mayor Bottoms and law enforcement for working together to achieve that shared goal.”

[PHOTOS: Damage in downtown Atlanta from violent protests]

Atlanta Falcons and United owner Arthur Blank

“A number of events over the last couple of weeks have reminded us again that the long, worthy quest for equal justice, civility and unity in America is far from over. People are scared and in pain. Their frustration is real, and it must be acknowledged and addressed. More must be done to address systemic racism. More must be done to address the underlying issues that have led to these incidents across the country. More must be done to bring people together through meaningful change.

“The public discourse on these and other issues is too divisive, too political. These are not political issues, they are human issues that need serious, earnest attention from leaders and citizens alike who understand that diversity is our strength and fair treatment is everyone’s right. Open, honest dialogue is needed on a much greater scale. It is my hope that we take this terrible moment in our history to elevate that conversation toward productive action and lasting, positive change. Peaceful protests of the past have led to new ways forward. Lawlessness, vandalism and intentionally upending the peace with any form of violence has never been productive and is not the answer. We must not accept or condone violence in any way. And to be sure, Atlanta is better than what we saw in the actions of a few last night.

“Together we will rise above this on the strength of what has always made Atlanta great – its people, its leaders of past and present and its unique culture that is welcoming to all. Our Family Foundation and the rest of our businesses here in Atlanta and elsewhere remain committed to being part of the solution.”

Atlanta native and media mogul Tyler Perry

Bernice King

The daughter of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. quoted her father:

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