In the tense climate of our nation, words matter immensely. Just two days after Mayor Corey O’Connor’s inaugural speech, Renee Nicole Good was tragically killed by ICE agents in a situation that escalated unnecessarily, based on nebulous “feelings” rather than facts or genuine threat. This is not an isolated incident; it is part of an alarming trend in which rhetoric, rather than reason, dictates action—often with irreversible consequences.

When Mayor O'Connor stated, "Public safety is not a statistic. It is a feeling that you have as you walk down the street." he inadvertently echoed sentiments that have long been exploited to justify racial profiling, excessive use of force, and undue harassment by law enforcement and vigilante groups. Such language, though perhaps well-intentioned, can feed into existing biases and supports a narrative where subjective fears outweigh objective realities.

Pittsburgh, a city celebrated for its diversity and resilience, deserves leadership that acknowledges its complex social fabric and works to protect all of its residents, especially the most vulnerable. We urge Mayor O'Connor to emphasize policies and practices rooted in evidence-based public safety measures. This includes prioritizing community-led initiatives that promote cooperation, understanding, and real safety for all.

By pivoting towards strategies that rely on concrete data and foster trust between residents and law enforcement, Pittsburgh can set a national example of progressive, inclusive public safety. Mayor O'Connor must lead with policies that condemn any form of racial profiling or unnecessary force, and ensure that safety measures are grounded in facts rather than fears.

What We Are Asking of Mayor O’Connor
We respectfully but firmly call on Mayor O’Connor to take the following actions:

1. Publicly walk back and condemn rhetoric that frames public safety as a subjective “feeling.”
Clear leadership requires acknowledging when language causes harm. The Mayor must affirm that public safety policy in Pittsburgh will be grounded in evidence, civil rights, and measurable outcomes—not fear-based perceptions.

2. Commit to expanding and fully supporting community-based public safety solutions, including:

• Community-Led Crisis Response Programs that deploy trained, unarmed professionals to respond to mental health and nonviolent crisis situations.
• Improved Mental Health Crisis Lines and Services, ensuring timely access to care, follow-up support, and culturally competent resources.
• Violence Interruption Programs, such as models inspired by Cure Violence, which have demonstrated success in reducing shootings and retaliatory harm.
• Restorative Justice and Community Accountability Initiatives that focus on harm prevention, repair, and long-term safety rather than punishment alone.
• Expanded Youth and After-School Programs that provide safe spaces, mentorship, and opportunity for young people.
• Housing-First Initiatives that recognize stable housing as foundational to public safety and community well-being.
• Job Training and Workforce Development Programs that address economic instability as a root contributor to violence.
• Accessible Substance-Use Treatment Centers that prioritize care, recovery, and public health over criminalization.

These approaches are evidence-based, cost-effective, and supported by public health experts and communities nationwide. They do not weaken public safety—they strengthen it.

Pittsburgh can and should lead with policies that reflect compassion, accountability, and justice. We urge Mayor Corey O’Connor to align his language and leadership with strategies that protect lives, build trust, and create real safety for everyone who calls this city home.

Sign this petition to stand for a safer, more inclusive Pittsburgh—one grounded in facts, fairness, and care for all.