JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson and other state officials gave updates on both the protests and COVID-19 Tuesday.
"We were very grateful that these protests were peaceful and nonviolent," Parson said. "I want to thank all of the protesters who were peacefully pushing for change."
He also thanked law enforcement officers.
"We support you and appreciate all you do for the people of this state."
Parson responded to the protesters who have called for defunding the police.
"Doing away with police officers, law enforcement officers is not an answer for anything," said Parson, who spent more than 22 years working in law enforcement, according to the biography on his website.
The governor also said he plans to attend the visitation of retired St. Louis police captain David Dorn Tuesday evening, who was killed during the looting of a pawn shop last week.
Members of the Missouri National Guard who had been sent to Washington are now back, Parson said.
COVID-19 update
There have been 14,913 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the state and 840 deaths, as of June 9, according to the state's website.
The state is currently in Phase 1 of its "Show Me Strong" Recovery Plan, allowing all businesses across the state to reopen if local leaders agree. This phase was extended until June 15.
Parson said he will announce more details on the state's reopening plans during his briefing on Thursday.
