Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Joyce Beatty, and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement regarding the police shooting of Patrick Lyoya, an unarmed Black man: 

“This horrific fatality reiterates a glaring and systemic issue that continues to plague our nation. Police brutality can not continue to go unchecked. Have we learned nothing from George Floyd, Tamir Rice, Breonna Taylor, and Duante Wright? No more Black lives should be lost due to the unnecessary use of excessive force by police. The House passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act more than a year ago. This bold, comprehensive legislation will hold police accountable, work to end racial profiling, and facilitate a change in the culture of law enforcement by addressing systemic racism and bias to help save lives,” said Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Joyce Beatty. “I am alarmed and appalled that we are here yet again. I send my sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Patrick Lyoya. The Congressional Black Caucus is renewing our call for the Senate to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act!”  

“My heart sank in my chest as I watched the video of the police shooting of Patrick Lyoya, an unarmed Black man. This is yet another death and loss of life by the hands of an untrained officer with motives that must be revealed during the investigation,” said Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, 2nd Vice-Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. “Gun violence & excessive force aren’t always random. They are deliberate & they always lead to unfortunate injury & death. We need full accountability & transparency. Anything less would be unacceptable. Sending my prayers to Patrick’s family as they grieve & look for answers.” 

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Since its establishment in 1971, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) has been committed to using the full Constitutional power, statutory authority, and financial resources of the federal government to ensure that African Americans and other marginalized communities in the United States have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream. The Caucus is Chaired by Congresswoman Joyce Beatty. As part of this commitment, the CBC has fought for the past 48 years to empower these citizens and address their legislative concerns.