Congressman Anthony Brown: "George Floyd Should Still Be Alive. Today, He Received His Due Justice"

Statement

Congressman Anthony G. Brown (MD-04) released the following statement regarding Derek Chauvin being declared guilty on all counts for the murder of George Floyd:

"George Floyd should still be alive. Today, he received his due justice and his murderer was held accountable. My heart goes out to the loved ones of George Floyd, his community and the families of the countless other Black men and women unjustly killed by law enforcement officers. This is a small victory for justice and the countless families of those who have suffered and died at the hands of the police. But this does not diminish the demand to end the systemic racism that pervades every institution in our country. Our work is not finished.

"In the last several weeks, communities of color have continued to grapple with all too familiar stories of police violence. Each new killing reopening an all too familiar cycle of pain, anger and calls for reform. This verdict does not absolve Congress of its duty to pass meaningful police accountability legislation.

"Maryland is already taking important steps and leading by example, limiting police officers' use of force, restricting the use of no-knock warrants and ensuring police officers are accountable to the communities they serve. This is a first step, but we know more action is needed.

"It's time for the Senate to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to bring these reforms nationwide. We must change the culture of policing in our country, to ensure officers act as guardians of our communities rather than a militarized force. We need to make it easier to remove bad officers and file criminal charges for illegal behavior. We need to ban practices that have taken the lives of too many people of color. And we must prioritize transparency and accountability in policing.

"We must also acknowledge that for decades we have neglected policies and programs that meet the social needs of our communities, and address the structural disparities hurting Black and brown families. Justice takes intentional, deliberate work. But change and a safer country are possible.

"I do pray that today's verdict allows the family of George Floyd to truly begin to grieve for their loss."

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