Pascrell Statement on the Tragic Death of George Floyd

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) today issued a statement on the tragic death of George Floyd, and the subsequent civil unrest ongoing in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

“The video of Mr. Floyd’s asphyxiation is one of the most upsetting things any of us has ever watched,” said Rep. Pascrell, the co-chair of the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus. “It was a wicked, evil act. If the local prosecutors won’t act, the Department of Justice must investigate and prepare charges. Justice must be clear, complete, and decisive.

“But while complete justice for Mr. Floyd is essential, his death is yet one more example of the violence inflicted on our African American communities. Each day, Africans Americans find their lives under threat by the very people and institutions meant to protect them. Just this week the Ways and Means Committee held a hearing on why our African American neighbors are dying at a higher rate in this pandemic. Millions of African Americans are angry, they are frustrated, and they are tired because of the injustices they face.

“The civil unrest that has unfolded since Mr. Floyd’s death is disturbing and itself indefensible. Violence begets violence, and violence can never be an answer. But until we grapple with the malevolent racism that likely killed Mr. Floyd openly, frankly, and productively, America will never be truly equal for all of our neighbors. Grieving and even justice are not enough. We need unvarnished honesty too.”