Gov. Ned Lamont said Tuesday that the last thing he wants to do is bring in the National Guard, as protests across the state have been peaceful.

He was joined by the commanding officer of Connecticut state police, and praised Monday's peaceful protests and officers' response in Hartford after demonstrators shut down part of I-84.

Several troops prayed with protesters along I-84 before they dispersed.

Lamont says he plans to work on providing accountability when it comes to police.

"...Making sure that we can provide accountability and give you confidence that our police, state and municipal, are there representing you, representing the community," he says.

Lamont says officials are keeping a close eye on social media, and know there are "agitators" whose goal is to riot and loot.

Officials say they hope they can focus on the protesters who they want to listen to and work with.

 

- There are 42,979 coronavirus cases in the state, with 239 new cases since Monday. There have also been 8 new virus-related deaths, raising the death toll to 3,972.

- There are 434 hospitalizations related to COVID-19, with 20 less hospitalizations since Monday. There have been 268,572 coronavirus tests conducted, with 9,252 tests conducted Monday.

- Lamont addressed the protests in Hartford, saying that while it was peaceful, it shouldn't have moved onto I-84. He says the protests Monday night were peaceful, with no reported looting.

- He says using the National Guard during protests is the last step he wants to take. Lamont says the municipal and state police are working well with protesters to keep the peace.