FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2020
The Charlottesville Police Department sends heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr. George Floyd, whose tragic death has shocked and horrified our department, the Charlottesville community, and the entire nation.
CPD shares in our nation’s outrage and disappointment regarding the actions of the officer who forced his knee on Mr. Floyd’s neck, as he repeatedly said “I can’t breathe,” and begged for mercy while three other officers watched and did nothing.
“I am completely outraged by Mr. Floyd’s death, and the collective deafening silence of leaders across the nation,” said Charlottesville Police Chief RaShall Brackney. “Once again, the black community must bear witness to another senseless murder of an unarmed black man, as officers cavalierly defy Mr. Floyd’s and bystanders’ pleas for mercy.”
“This death and so many others create a bloodstain on the badge of those officers who take an oath to keep their communities safe, do no harm, and defend the defenseless,” added Brackney.
While we have seen expressions of anger, rage, pain, and frustration in the wake of Mr. Floyd’s death, the Charlottesville community must come together to continue their fight for justice and fair judicial outcomes for every community across the United States.
"I continue to be greatly saddened by the untimely and senseless death of Mr. George Floyd," said Charlottesville City Manager Dr. Tarron Richardson. "It is my sincere hope that justice will prevail and Derek Chauvin is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
“CPD remains committed to a 21st Century Policing Model, and strengthening partnerships with our community,” added Brackney. “Moreover, according to the pillars established under 21st Century Policing, police leaders across the nation must admit and own failures--to stop the deadly virus of racism and death, contagions for which the United States has had no cure.”
Mayor Nikuyah Walker reiterated Chief Brackney’s sentiments.
"There is nothing just about the devaluation America has place on Black Lives and the constant danger it puts us in," said Mayor Nikuyah Walker. "To my Black people: I see you, I grieve with you, I breathe fear with you., and I will continue to fight for us and demand that white America stop murdering, stealing, and restricting our breaths."
"In this moment, I breathe with you in honor of all those who have had their breath stolen. I will protect your breath from my little corner of the world and continue to implore others to do the same. Breathe!," added Walker.
Media Contact
Tyler Hawn
Public Information Officer
Charlottesville Police Department
o. 434-970-3640
m. 434-409-3439
hawnto@charlottesville.gov