FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

January 27, 2022

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: brian.phillips@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Vice Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, released the following statement offering her deepest condolences to the family of Tyre Nichols and addressing the need for action following the Shelby County District Attorney’s decision to charge 5 former Memphis Police Department Officers with second-degree murder, aggravated assault and kidnapping, and official misconduct and oppression:

“There is no doubt in my mind that Tyre Nichols should be alive today. Police Brutality continues to plague or society. Time and time again, Black Americans have been forced to confront the senseless violence and deaths of Black men at the hands of law enforcement. My heart and sympathies go out to Tyre Nichols family and friends as we share in grief and mourn his loss,” said Congresswoman Clarke. “As New Yorkers, we are well accustomed to the painful truth that our country has a shameful history of turning a blind eye to the hate, bigotry, and violence of police brutality that has led to the torture, abuse, and death of unarmed Black and Brown people.

“Last Congress, I helped lead the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which holds our legal system and police accountable. And I intend on fighting for this crucial legislation until it is finally signed into law. This must end. We cannot rest, we cannot falter, we cannot sit idly by as we continue to watch our brothers and sisters die at the hands of law enforcement. No more hashtags, empty promises, or meaningless lip service. We need justice, and we will keep fighting until we have it.”

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