Joint Statement by Portsmouth City Manager Karen Conard & Police Chief Mark Newport in support of the Asian-American Community

The City of Portsmouth is greatly saddened by the murder of members of the Asian community in Atlanta, Georgia, and the rise of anti-Asian bias incidents around the country. We stand in solidarity with the Asian community in our nation and we join in lowering our flags to half-staff to mourn the loss.

As President Biden said just last week, “This must stop.”

We also stand with those in our community who might be living with the fear that there might be a threat to them here.  Please know that you are supported. We have zero tolerance here for hate crimes and will act on reports received.

Portsmouth has declared itself a Racial Justice Municipality and, as such, is committed to “efforts to improve equity and inclusion and be welcoming of diversity throughout our community.” Being a Racial justice Municipality does not mean only embracing the concepts of diversity, equity and inclusion in Portsmouth. It means calling out instances where these concepts are violated whenever and wherever we see them.

If anyone does need to report a bias crime that does not have immediate life and safety or property concerns, please call the Portsmouth Police Department at (603) 436-2145. If you have an immediate life and safety or property concern, please call 911 and we will respond.

The incident in Atlanta, which we deplore, is one of those instances that causes us to re-examine how we can each help our nation to become "a more perfect union," "with liberty and justice for all." We are the City of the Open Door – and will continue to work to keep that door open.​​