Press Releases

WASHINGTON - Today, Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) issued the following statement after the body-worn camera footage in the case of the killing of Tyre Nichols was released. 

“It is with a heavy heart that I send solemn condolences to the family of Tyre Nichols and all those who loved him. After viewing the footage last night, I literally had no words.

“What happened to this young man was heinous under any circumstances. That it came at the hands of those empowered and entrusted with public safety is all the worse. As our community, once again, grapples with the collective and individual trauma of a killing at the hands of law enforcement, it is evident that we must pursue legislative solutions to these systemic problems. 

“We must continue to call for reform at the local, state, and federal levels. For my part, I’ll continue supporting legislation like the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and advocating for resources for body-worn cameras statewide that shine a light on these incidents while protecting officers who uphold the law and do their job honorably. We also know that laws and cameras are not enough - we must pursue changes in recruitment, retention, and training. But most fundamentally, we must pursue a change in culture - aiming to create one built on transparency and accountability, establishing real partnership and trust in our communities.

“Heeding the words of Tyre’s mother - through nonviolent action, we must continue to raise our voices and demand justice. Our work is not over until every American, no matter the color of their skin or socioeconomic status, can feel safe in their neighborhoods and in their homes.

“When people spoke of Tyre Nichols, they said he liked to take pictures of sunsets, play with his son, skateboard — and he was all love. Ultimately, we owe it to him and too many others who suffered similar fates, to act. Our humanity depends on it.”

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