Showing posts with label Cleveland.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cleveland.. Show all posts

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Statement by Marcia a Fudge on Michael Brelo Verdict



The decision of Judge John P. O’Donnell to acquit Officer Michael Brelo is a stunning setback on the road to justice for Timothy Russell, Malissa Williams and the people of Cleveland. The verdict is another chilling reminder of a broken relationship between the Cleveland Police Department and the community it serves. Today we have been told — yet again — our lives have no value.”
“By any measure, the firing of more than a hundred rounds of ammunition by the Cleveland Police Department toward two unarmed citizens was extreme, excessive, and unnecessary. The same can be said about Officer Brelo’s individual actions. My heart goes out to the families of Timothy Russell and Malissa Williams and to the entire city of Cleveland.”
“The December 2014 U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) review of the Cleveland Police Department showed that we need sweeping, systemic changes in how our law enforcement works and interacts with the community. I pledge to continue to work with city officials to help implement these changes.”
“The decision may not be what we want, but our march for justice continues. We still have a long way to go toward racial equality and justice in Ohio, and in the entire United States of America.”