From the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus:
The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus Demand for Greater Police Accountability and Statement on the Windsor Police Abusing Lt. Caron Nazario
Richmond, VA—As the recently released appalling video of U.S. Army Lieutenant Caron Nazario makes clear, not even a military uniform and brave service to this country can shield Black and Brown Virginians from racist police harassment and brutality. In stark contrast stands the shield of qualified/sovereign immunity, which allows law enforcement to engage in racist brutality with little to no consequences.
We must revolutionize police accountability here in Virginia. These officers must be investigated immediately and held accountable for their atrocious actions.
Virginia had the opportunity to address this issue last session and the session before with Delegate Jeff Bourne’s HB 2045. His bill would have held law enforcement responsible for engaging in unlawful or abusive actions by providing Virginians victimized by police brutality with an avenue for redress. The legislation also would have worked to deter and prevent future incidents. Sadly this legislation was defeated.
We urge our colleagues in the General Assembly to adopt this necessary reform next session. These wanton acts of racist aggression from law enforcement cannot be allowed to continue.
##
The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus (VLBC) is made up of 23 members in the Virginia General Assembly. VLBC is committed to improving the economic, educational, political, and social conditions of African Americans and underrepresented groups in Virginia. A vital part of VLBC’s mission is to raise the consciousness of other groups to the contributions made by African Americans to the Commonwealth and the Nation.
Sign up for the Blue Virginia weekly newsletter
