AKRON, Ohio — Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan announced Thursday morning that his annual State of the City address, which was scheduled to take place next month on Aug. 17, has been postponed.
Here’s the full statement provided by Mayor Horrigan about the decision in which he cites the deadly Akron police shooting of Jayland Walker:
Right now, the state of our city is hurting. Our city has been shaken by the death of Jayland Walker and I feel now is not the appropriate time for the State of the City address. I believe what our city needs in this moment is to embrace the discomfort we feel and not shy away from difficult conversations. This moment is not business as usual, but rather a time for reflection; reflection on how we work, how we view each other, and how we live out our values of compassion, equity, and justice. I will still have a message for the community in the days to come, but it will not be from on a stage, but rather speaking directly with the people of Akron. We will rebuild the state of our city together.
Mayor Horrigan’s office says a rescheduled date for the State of the City address will be announced at a later time.
For those corporate sponsors and individuals who have already purchased tickets, they will still be valid for the rescheduled date, or you can request a refund by contacting info@akronroundtable.org.
Walker, who was laid to rest last Wednesday, was shot and killed on June 27 when eight Akron police officers opened fire amid an overnight chase. Police say Walker had fired a shot at one point during the vehicle pursuit, but was unarmed at the time officers opened fire as the chase continued on foot. A gun was later found in Walker's vehicle, according to police.