Butterfield Statement on Unlawful Killing of George Floyd and Resulting Nationwide Protests
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman G. K. Butterfield issued the following statement on the killing of George Floyd by police officers and the demonstrations in North Carolina and across the country in response:
“Like most Americans, I have seen the video of the senseless and unlawful killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The only conclusion a rational observer can reach is that the police officers engaged in a deliberate act of choking Mr. Floyd until he died. The resulting outrage by so many is steeped not only in this act of police brutality but in recognition of the many other incidents of police misconduct targeting African American citizens.
"I have repeatedly worked with Congressional colleagues to end police misconduct and identify the root causes of deep-seated anger among racial minorities. The criminal justice system is in need of systemic reform. Black citizens are often unnecessarily targeted for search and apprehension. When arrested, they are given very high bonds that make it impossible to secure their release pending trial. And when cases are presented to the Court, there is a high probability of an unfair final adjudication.
"Many African Americans have lost confidence in the judicial system. They fear the police as they go about their daily lives in the community. We must continue to encourage peaceful protest and disavow violence in all forms, but we cannot allow this critical conversation about racial injustice and excessive force to be hijacked.
"The economic condition of people of color cannot be overlooked as well. Being victim to police brutality is compounded by high rates of unemployment and underemployment. We must work in a bi-partisan manner to address high poverty rates in minority communities. Also, along with several colleagues, I will be proposing legislation that will hold our law enforcement officers more accountable."
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