Sarbanes Statement on Recent Killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd

TOWSON, MD – Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) released the following statement today in response to the recent killings of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, Breonna Taylor in Kentucky and George Floyd in Minnesota:

"I am anguished and outraged at the brutal killings of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, Breonna Taylor in Kentucky and now, George Floyd in Minnesota. The sad, bitter truth is that our country continues to be betrayed by police who perpetrate racial violence and prosecutors that turn a blind eye. We must end this corruption of justice with transparency and unyielding accountability. The anger and frustration that is boiling in so many communities across the country is real – and it is warranted.

"I support the urgent request made by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) and the Committee's Democratic Members for the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the prosecutors involved in the Ahmaud Arbery case and to open misconduct investigations into the Louisville and Minneapolis police departments. As Chairman Nadler said, ‘America's history of racism and racially motivated violence is a plague that continues to live on through generations.'

"In addition, I am proud to co-sponsor the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Act, an important effort led by Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) to study the systemic bigotry and inequality that disproportionately affects black men and boys in America.

"When justice is delayed, distorted or denied, America suffers. When racism and bigotry persist, we lose our moral center. For the sake of our children, we must overcome this legacy of violence and ensure that the civil and human rights of every person in our country are protected."

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