WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to the news of the death of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man who died after he was violently assaulted by police, People For the American Way Senior Director of Outreach and Public Engagement Diallo Brooks released the following statement:

“The death of George Floyd, after he repeatedly said ‘I can’t breathe’ and begged a white police officer to stop assaulting him, is painful and unacceptable. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family members and loved ones as we mourn yet another life lost. While Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned one officer for failing to display the most basic level of humanity in his encounter with Floyd, and the city took swift action to terminate the officers involved, we must continue our unified and resounding calls for national justice reform. Being Black in America cannot be a death sentence, and Floyd’s death must not be in vain. This cannot be our future.”

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