WASHINGTON, DC – CASA Federal Policy Chief Alonzo Washington issued the following statement after Derek Chauvin was convicted of murder for killing George Floyd.

“For far too long, we have witnessed countless murders of Black lives by the hands of police, both before and after George Floyd’s murder. This continues to illustrate the deep seeds of white supremacy sown into the policing system in the United States and the unending fight for justice that Black Americans face. While the jury has delivered justice in court, make no mistake that George Floyd should be alive today.

“Despite this verdict, we can’t rest until the system that terrorizes, harasses, and continues to murder and devalue Black lives is transformed. This excessive force goes beyond the life of one man. This country has a history of violent, discriminatory and deadly policing – which we know too well in Maryland.

“Yesterday marked six years since the murder of Freddie Gray, under police custody. Today, we urge Congress to act swiftly in passing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act that will achieve real transparency and accountability. These long overdue policies are the next step towards putting an end to countless deaths at the hands of police in our country.

“Today and always, we stand with George Floyd’s family, the people of Minneapolis, and Black Americans across the country, who have lost loved ones. In this pivotal moment, we will continue our steadfast work in fighting to end the systemic racism and police violence that plagues our communities.”

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