The mayor of Asheville released a statement Friday supporting peaceful protests, but admonishing violence after a journalist covering a protest was seriously injured this week.

As mayor of the city of Asheville, I respect and support community members’ right to peacefully protest. I share the grief and outrage evoked by injustices repeatedly suffered by so many Black and brown people in our country. And I know Asheville to be a community that expresses our beliefs and opinions peacefully, with concern for the rights and safety of others,” Manheimer said in a statement.