Friends,
 
In 2021, according to the Washington Post, fatal police shootings were the highest since they began tracking. Despite the public outcry after George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer, over 1,000 people were shot and killed by the police last year.  
 
What struck me in reading was experts cited in the report stating that the number of killings was within “expected bounds.”
 
As an elected American official, but more importantly as a Black mother in America and daughter of a police officer, I make sure my team and I keep track of these numbers. It is a reminder that we still have a lot of work to do, and that we cannot stop that work until we have reforms in place – so that 1,000 people dying at the hands of the police is not within “expected bounds.”
 
We must do better, and that is why today I am asking you to sign my petition in support of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. 1,000 people shot and killed is not right. We need to change the system. Will you add your name and support police reform today?

The same report goes on to say what we already knew – although Black people account for 13% of the American population, they are killed at more than twice the rate as white people, and most victims are young people.
 
Team, these numbers are alarming, and we must and can do better. We cannot let our youth not have the opportunity to live their lives, raise families and be their best. Sign on and support police reform today.

Stacey Plaskett