With most major cities in the United States protesting police brutality and racial injustice in recent days after the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, the Mets released a statement about the situation on Monday:
Queens, NY is one of the most diverse areas in our country. We take pride in our diversity. It is our strength
That is why we denounce all forms of racism and discrimination.
We stand with our state, our city, and community. We hope to be a part of positive change in our society.
Floyd died following his arrest in Minnesota after police officer Derek Chauvin -- who was later arrested and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter -- had his knee on a prone Floyd's neck for roughly nine minutes while Floyd repeatedly said "I can't breathe."
After protests began in and around Minneapolis following the death of Floyd, other protests have taken place in New York City, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Miami, Chicago, Atlanta, Detroit, and elsewhere.
Mets first baseman Pete Alonso weighed in on the situation on Sunday.
"For the past couple of days, I've struggled to wrap my mind around what's happening," Alonso wrote on Instagram. "I have a voice and I will not remain silent. My heart has been broken over the murder of George Floyd. I will never know what it feels like to be discriminated against because (of) the color of my skin. To anyone who faces this type of discrimination, I will fight for you and be an ally. I will always stand with you. There needs to be justice and change made for the better of humanity. Let words be our sword and unity be our armor. Take care of each other."