May, 22 2015, 03:30pm EDT
NAACP Statement on the Grand Jury Indictment of 6 Baltimore Police Officers
BALTIMORE, Md.
A Baltimore grand jury has indicted six Baltimore police officers involved in the arrest and subsequent death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray. In light of this development, the NAACP has released the following statement.
From Cornell William Brooks, NAACP President and CEO:
"The grand jury's decision to indict the six officers involved in the arrest and subsequent death of Freddie Gray is emblematic of the type of action we need to see in cases where unarmed citizens are met with excessive and oftentimes fatal force. While this indictment is encouraging, it is only a first step in what will likely be a long judicial process and the NAACP will be closely monitoring the proceedings as we continue to seek justice for Freddie Gray and his family. We commend the leadership of Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby as well as the grand jury's careful deliberation and determination in holding these six officers accountable for the death of Freddie Gray. We look forward to the cessation nationwide of police misconduct and to the swift passage of the End Racial Profiling Act. The NAACP Baltimore Branch will continue the work of collecting complaints against the police to provide the necessary information for the ongoing Department of Justice "pattern and practice" investigation."
From Gerald Stansbury, NAACP Maryland State Conference President:
"The Maryland State Conference will continue pushing for statewide legislation mandating police reform and we applaud the recent passage of the body worn camera bill. The State Conference will continue supporting the NAACP Baltimore Branch's efforts to serve Mr. Gray's community--a neighborhood that has endured many years of police misconduct. The announcement of this indictment means that the judicial process is not stagnant. All six of these officers are now subject to the same due process afforded to all persons charged with a crime. We will be monitoring this case closely to ensure that justice is served."
From Tessa Hill-Aston, NAACP Baltimore Branch President:
"Yesterday's announcement of indictments against the 6 officers involved in the death of Freddie Gray affirm State Attorney Marilyn Mosby's original charges and further the cause of justice for this son of Charm City. Our fight cannot and will not end with these indictments. Baltimore City deserves police officers who are committed to serving, protecting and respecting all members of the community. Our hearts and thoughts continue to be with the Gray family."
Founded Feb. 12. 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest, largest and most widely recognized grassroots-based civil rights organization. Its more than half-million members and supporters throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.
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