Representative Adriano Espaillat Introduces Bill to Hold Law Enforcement Officers Accountable for Violations of Rights and Liberties Guaranteed by The United States Constitution

Statement

Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) announced legislation today to hold law enforcement officers accountable for violations of rights and liberties guaranteed to all persons under the U.S. Constitution.

"The death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota has torn open the wounds inflicted upon African American communities in this nation for generations. The protests we have witnessed in the days following Mr. Floyd's murder are a resounding call for justice and a demand for action to change a system plagued in racism, excessive force and brutality," said Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13).

"Legal impunity for law enforcement officers who deprive American citizens of their rights impacts Americans of all backgrounds, but it takes an especially heavy toll on African Americans, who account for 13 percent of the total national population, but who are killed by police at more than twice the rate of White Americans. The police killings of Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky; Dreasjon "Sean' Reed in Indianapolis, Indiana; George Floyd, and Tony McDade in Tallahassee, Florida are only the most recent public instances of a deeply entrenched system of excessive force and discrimination by law enforcement officers and the inability of the justice system to hold them accountable. Without a doubt, these individuals should still be alive.

"I am introducing The Denial of Rights Prevention and Accountability Act to hold officers accountable in court for abuses committed under the color of the law, and create a new statute that would lower the mens rea bar from willful deprivation of rights to reckless deprivation of rights, thereby permitting prosecutors to successfully hold law enforcement officers liable for the deprivation of civil rights and liberties.

"This moment we are witnessing following the murder of George Floyd must be different and our efforts to bring about change must be strong. I am calling on my congressional colleagues to join me in this effort as we each have a duty and responsibility to take meaningful action to hold police officers accountable for abuses of power and to help reconcile the wounds inflicted on communities around our nation for generations.

"A special thanks to the New York Urban League and our coalition partners who are contributing to the development of this crucial policy."

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