Alexandria, VA. - May 26, 2020 -The
African American community, and the nation as a whole, has once again
experienced the death of an African American male through an interaction
with law enforcement. George Floyd of Minnesota died in police custody
after an officer pressed his knee to Mr. Floyd's neck for at least eight
minutes during his arrest Monday afternoon. Recorded on a bystander's
video, Mr. Floyd is heard repeatedly saying "I can't breathe,"
reminiscent of the words Eric Garner uttered before his death in 2014
when a police officer put him in a chokehold.
"My heart breaks
to witness yet another senseless and dreadful death at the hands of
those called to serve and protect. Every person in our country deserves
to be treated as a human being and feel safe in their community. This
tragic loss of life calls for immediate action and accountability," said
NOBLE National President Cerelyn J. Davis.
While this is a profoundly horrific incident, we are encouraged by the judicious investigations being conducted by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Minneapolis
Police Department's swift decision to address the actions of the
officers involved and terminate them is a step in the right direction.
"We must hold our officers accountable to protect our communities and
each other from danger. NOBLE and law enforcement agencies across the
country are left to ask, how do we collectively strengthen public trust,
when trust in fact has been breached?"
NOBLE will
closely monitor any and all forthcoming information regarding this
tragedy, and offers its unwavering prayers to Mr. Floyd's family, and
all impacted. Additionally, this event reinforces our role in the
significant work ahead of us as we fight for justice and fair judicial
outcomes for every community in America.
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About the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Since 1976, The National Organization of Black Law
Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) has served as the conscience of law
enforcement by being committed to justice by action. NOBLE represents
over 3,000 members internationally, who are primarily African American
chief executive officers of law enforcement agencies at federal, state,
county and municipal levels, other law enforcement administrators, and
criminal justice practitioners. For more information, visit www.NOBLENational.org.
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