Washington, DC—Following today’s announcement that Attorney General Merrick Garland will open a Justice Department investigation into patterns and practices of policing in Louisville, in the wake of the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor, People For the American Way President Ben Jealous released the following statement:

“We applaud the Justice Department for showing once again that it is serious about addressing violence and systemic racism in our nation’s police departments. This investigation triggered by the death of Breonna Taylor at the hands of the Louisville police force comes on the heels of the Justice Department’s announcement of an investigation into policing in Minneapolis, where George Floyd was murdered. These investigations are encouraging and represent a welcome new chapter in the work of the Justice Department, where leaders like Merrick Garland, Lisa Monaco, Vanita Gupta, and the soon-to-be confirmed Kristen Clarke are renewing the department’s focus on civil rights. At the same time, there is much more to be done. Congress needs to pass the imperfect but critically important George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. And we as citizens can get involved in pushing our local governments to make changes at the city, county and state level, where the real control of policing lies.”

About People For the American Way

People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.