Velázquez on Garner Case

WASHINGTON, Dec. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) made the following remarks regarding news that a Grand Jury in New York had failed to make an indictment in the Eric Garner case:

"I am profoundly saddened and perplexed that, after reviewing the available video evidence, a Grand Jury could not find grounds for an indictment. Not only does this ruling send the wrong message to the police department – that this type of police abuse is permissible – but it sends a message to young people of color in communities like Red Hook and Sunset Park, telling them no one will protect them or their rights.

"This is not just a New York City problem.  The recent tragedies in Ferguson and Cleveland remind us that the deep rift of distrust between our communities and local law enforcement is a national problem – and one that demands a national conversation on race and police practices. Whether it is the Eric Garner case or the incident surrounding Akai Gurley, the young man from my district shot by a police officer, or incidents of police violence in Sunset Park, it is clear that issues of police abuse against minorities remain prevalent and demand a thorough response.  In this case, the federal government should swiftly and thoroughly investigate to determine whether Eric Garner's civil rights were violated. 

"Just as the federal government must intervene to seek justice for the Garner family, we also need broader law enforcement reforms that prevent future similar tragedies. It is time for the Department of Justice to begin carefully and thoroughly cataloging allegations of police brutality to determine areas where these problems are most common.  I would also call on Mayor DeBlasio to end the policy of 'broken windows' policing, which too often results in law enforcement harassment of young men of color and fails to make communities safer.

"Today is a sad day, but it is my hope that some good can come from this tragedy if we continue striving for progress. I call on all in our City to come together and continue pursuing justice through peaceful, constructive means."

CONTACT: Alex Haurek
(202) 225-2361

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/velazquez-on-garner-case-300004597.html

SOURCE Office of Congresswoman Nydia M. Velazquez