SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH (July 9, 2019) — Today Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber, issued the following statement regarding the inland port protest at the Chamber offices:
“While a full assessment of the damage is not yet complete, I want to say that fortunately our staff is safe. No one has been physically injured in what can be characterized as an act of intimidation by people attempting to terrorize members of the Salt Lake Chamber family. I do express our sincere concern to other innocent victims caught in today’s violence.
“We are extremely grateful for the quick action of the Salt Lake Police Department to protect lives and property. They are professionals and deserve our support.
“It is important to make it clear that there is no connection between the Salt Lake Chamber and the inland port project. The targeting of Chamber property and employees was senseless and outrageous.
“That they would attack a private office and threaten professionals who are focused on serving the people of Utah is an affront to all of us. There was absolutely no reason for the protest to target the Chamber offices, other than a gross attempt at notoriety.
“I have been assigned by the Governor to chair the inland port project. I do so as a citizen volunteer. It is a responsibility independent of my duties as president and CEO of the Chamber and one that I take seriously.
“The inland port board has implemented a robust engagement process that has held dozens of community meetings with hundreds of participants to share information and ideas. The board is open and accessible and there is no reason for these protestors to do what they did today.
“It’s a tragedy that the wonderful people of the Chamber—whose mission is to strengthen economic opportunity in Utah and provide security for our families and children—would be subject to this terror and intimidation.
“On an increasingly regular basis America is confronted by a radical fringe element that is growing out of control, using threats, intimidation and mob tactics to try to silence the rest of us, and it’s hard to see that taking place here in Utah.
“We will put whatever measures required in place so the Chamber team can continue to serve the great men and women of our state. But I want to say that I will not back down from what the Governor has asked me to do.”
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