From the Fairfax County Democratic Committee:
Statement Regarding the Unnecessary Killing of Unarmed Black Man Fleeing Police at Tysons Corner Shopping Center
FAIRFAX, VA – On February 22, 2023, an unarmed Black man, Timothy Johnson, was shot and killed by two Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) officers after allegedly stealing a pair of sunglasses from a Tysons Corner department store. Body-worn camera footage released today shows Mr. Johnson was chased from the mall and into a wooded area where police gunshots led to his death.
Democrats in Fairfax County and across the country continue to demand police reforms that will reimagine policing for the benefit and safety of the American people. Changes are needed to build transparency and trust that we do not need to be kept safe from the very police officers who are supposed to be sworn to protect and serve us.
Fairfax County Democratic Committee (FCDC) Chair Bryan Graham states, “The video is heartbreaking. Change is still needed. This incident renews urgency for action to prevent another unarmed black person from needlessly dying at the hands of the police. The ongoing investigations must bring accountability and justice. I want to thank our Democratic officials who understand this situation’s gravity and are working to ensure this is being taken seriously.”
FCDC stands in solidarity with our brothers and sisters of our committee’s Black Caucus and with the Fairfax NAACP. FCDC Black Caucus Chair Kelly Hebron states, “The body-worn camera footage is heartbreaking and our thoughts and support continue to go out to the Johnson family. The footage demonstrates that Timothy Johnson’s death at the hands of a FCPD officer was unwarranted. This outrageous incident warrants a top-to-bottom review of FCPD training and policies, particularly those related to the department’s foot pursuit guidelines.”
The Johnson Family has set up a Go Fund Me to assist with the funeral costs and provide some financial support to the two children Mr. Johnson leaves behind. We encourage members, partners, and allies to support this cause.
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