By Maria Polletta | Arizona Republic
During a town hall Tuesday to discuss gun violence, gubernatorial candidates spent much of the time discussing weapons falling into the hands of “bad actors” on the streets and in schools.
But what happens, a Black Lives Matter activist asked, when the “bad actor” is a law-enforcement officer charged with protecting the people of Arizona?
The question spurred a frank discussion about police brutality at the town hall — organized by student-led gun-control group March for Our Lives Arizona — though candidates differed on whom to blame.
Democrats Kelly Fryer, David Garcia and state Sen. Steve Farley said some officers fall short when it comes to impartiality and maintaining the trust of minority residents.
Republican Ken Bennett said it is elected officials who have fallen short when it comes to adequately funding and staffing law-enforcement agencies.
Incumbent Republican Gov. Doug Ducey, who is running for re-election, did not attend the forum.
