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We are hurt and we are angry at the profound loss of Black lives in our country. The recent murders of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and Tony McDade at the hands of police officers are a part of a generations-long cycle of horrific police killings of Black people. Police violence is a systemic problem rooted national crisis and magnifies the racial inequity that pervades everyday lives of Black Americans. Thousands have taken to the streets to demand justice. Congress must listen to our elevated voices and act immediately to put an end to police violence and hold offenders accountable. We are demanding Congress enact and ensure the following: -
Defund police, particularly the Community Oriented Police Services (COPS) program, and prioritize deep investment in community health, education, and housing. In order to help end abusive policing, Congress must cease funding to hire tens of thousands of new police officers and equip them with a range of surveillance technology and militarized equipment. -
Eliminate federal programs that allocate military equipment to law enforcement. Outfitting the police in military-style armor and weaponry changes the mentality of cops, prompting them to act more aggressively. It undermines community policing and erodes public trust in law enforcement, and it must be stopped. Police brutality must end immediately and we must demand that Congress do their job to ensure the safety and freedom of every single person in this country. Sign the petition: Demand Congress do their job and immediately address police violence. | |