Washington, D.C. – In response to the Justice Department’s decision to not pursue federal charges against a New York City Police Officer in the death of Eric Garner, Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, issued the following statement:
“The tragic killing of Eric Garner was recorded and widely shared across the country and is a stark example of the dangers faced by African Americans at the hands of the very police who are sworn to protect them. The Justice Department’s decision not to prosecute Daniel Pantaleo sends a dangerous message to law enforcement that they can kill with impunity.”
Clarke continued: “The countless deaths of unarmed African Americans at the hands of police and the repeated failure of our justice system to hold anyone accountable stands as one of the greatest crises of our time. Our hearts go out to Mr. Garner’s family for whom justice was both delayed and denied.”
About the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, was formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to involve the private bar in providing legal services to address racial discrimination. Now in its 56th year, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is continuing its quest to “Move America Toward Justice.” The principal mission of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is to secure, through the rule of law, equal justice for all, particularly in the areas of criminal justice, fair housing and community development, economic justice, educational opportunities, and voting rights.
Contact
Reynolds Graves, Lawyers’ Committee, RGraves@LawyersCommittee.org, 202-662-8375
