Congresswoman Bush Statement on 4th Anniversary of the Police Killing of George Floyd
Washington, D.C. (May 25, 2024) – Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01), an activist from the Ferguson Frontlines and the movement to save Black lives, released the following statement on the 4th anniversary of the police killing of George Floyd on May 25, 2020.
“It has been 4 years since George Floyd was killed by police. Over 6 years since Geraldine Townsend. Nearly 8 years since Philando Castile. Nearly 10 years since Michael Brown. Not a day goes by when I don’t think of them or the countless others who have died at the hands of law enforcement.
“In recent years, public consciousness has increased as more people realize that our current approach to public safety isn’t working. There is a growing coalition supporting non-carceral, public health approaches to community safety, reflected in landmark legislation like my People’s Response Act and Helping Families Heal Act. Congress passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which included $250 million in community violence intervention programs. These are a direct result of our movement, which seeks safety for all people and communities.
“But while some progress has been made, it is nowhere near enough. Each of the past four years has set a new record for police killings. Law enforcement kills an average of three people each day, disproportionately Black people. Between 2013 and 2023, only 1.9 percent of police killings resulted in an officer being charged with a crime. Congress has failed to enact key police accountability and community safety legislation. The May 2022 policing Executive Order has not been adequately implemented. The militarization of law enforcement and violent crackdowns on Black and brown communities continue with impunity.
“Public safety must not just be a priority on anniversaries or used as a political talking point during election years. It is a 365-day priority because it is a matter of life or death for our communities. Every day that Congress fails to act is another day we condemn more of our people to death, and more of their families to suffering. This vicious cycle must end, and we will not stop pushing until it does. Rest in power, George Floyd.”
On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer who placed his knee on Mr. Floyd’s neck and back for 9 minutes and 29 seconds, causing his death from a lack of oxygen. His killing sparked massive protests, similar to the aftermath of the killing of Michael Brown and others.
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