FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 27, 2020
CONTACT
Manisha Sunil, West End Strategy Team
msunil@westendstrategy.com; Phone: (202) 417-0171
Interfaith Alliance Demands Accountability From Officers, County Officials Following the Killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following the tragic death of George Floyd Monday at the hands of four Minneapolis police officers, Rabbi Jack Moline, president of Interfaith Alliance, released the following statement:
“We grieve the loss of Mr. Floyd and share the anger of Minneapolis residents and activists around the country demanding justice. No one should experience the pain of losing a loved one or a friend to police violence.
“From the Shepard-Byrd Act of 2009 to the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act currently before Congress, Interfaith Alliance has long fought to ensure that crimes motivated by hate or bigotry are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. But it is not enough to seek justice after a life has been lost.
“We welcome reports that the officers responsible for Mr. Floyd’s death have been dismissed and urge Hennepin County officials to hold them accountable for actions committed while in uniform. However, this cannot and should not be treated as an isolated incident. An adequate response must go deeper, beginning with a frank examination of racism against Black Americans magnified through encounters with law enforcement.
“Too often we imagine our nation as we wish it to be, not as it is. Real justice will require honesty and hard work around the longstanding discrimination present in our justice system.”
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Interfaith Alliance celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism. Founded in 1994, Interfaith Alliance brings together members from 75 faith traditions as well as those without a faith tradition to protect faith and freedom. For more information visit www.interfaithalliance.org.