Press Releases

Today, Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford (NV-04) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement regarding the grand jury decision to not bring charges against the eight officers involved in the fatal shooting of Jayland Walker in Akron, Ohio.

“The Congressional Black Caucus offers our sincerest condolences to the family of Jayland Waker. The heaviness that weighs on the hearts and minds of Jayland’s family and friends only stands to be made worse by the grand jury’s decision to not bring the eight officers involved in his tragic and unjust murder to justice. Despite the decision today, one thing remains true: Jayland Walker should be alive today.”

“The excessive use of force shown and the disregard for Jayland’s life by Akron police has no place in any community in our country, and this decision deeply erodes public trust between police and the communities they serve. The Congressional Black Caucus will continue to do all we can to push Congress towards passing federal legislation to improve public safety and adequately address the systemic issues arising from law enforcement engagements in our communities.” 

Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes (OH-13) offered the following statement: 

“We’ve seen it too many times. A routine traffic stop ends in death, and a family and community mourn the loss of a son. A brother. A friend. A neighbor. As this country and community reckons with another tragic death, we find ourselves yearning for a justice system that protects us all. 

“The safety and security of our neighborhoods requires trust between the community and the law enforcement officers who have taken an oath to protect and serve, but this trust has been violated and must be rebuilt. As such, I will formally request the Department of Justice to begin an investigation into the patterns and practices of the Akron Police Department to start the process of understanding how the department operates and look to create solutions for more community-focused policing that serves the needs of every segment of our community. 

“Finally, as people begin to express their anger, grief, and concern through their Constitutional right to protest, I ask that you remember the words of Jayland’s family and honor his memory by protesting without violence. After the TV crews leave and the nation is no longer watching, it will only be us left to pick up the pieces. Our community deserves the chance to heal and move forward which we will do, must do — together.”