California Gov. Newsom addressed the state Monday after a weekend of protests and crowds angered by the death of a black man at the hands of police, and looting across major cities.
It was a somber tone with Newsom saying "people have lost patience."
His address comes after a weekend of demonstrators who were protesting over the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer who is now charged with murder and manslaughter charges.
"People have lost patience and they have been told that over and over and over again," Newsom said. "We better start listening. We better start hearing people and own up to our own responsibility and own accountability that led to this moment. Society becomes how we behave, we are our behaviors."
He said he is resolved to keep the peace "but recognizing an armed camp is not a place of peace and the answer to violence is not more violence." He added those who are protesting out there "I want you to know you matter."
"I want you to know I have a unique responsibility to prove that to you. You are right to feel wronged, you are right to feel the way you are feeling," Newsom said.
He said each and every one us has an obligation to "do more." "We hear you," Newsom said.
Meanwhile, Newsom had stern words for those who want to flame violence and exploit the moment and take advantage of the protests by looting.
"We hear you as well but we don't have the same sensitivities as it relates to those who are trying to exercise their voice from a place of hurt and pain," Newsom said. "The looting, the violence, the threats against fellow human beings has no place in this state and in this nation."