The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Offers Our Condolences and Grieves with the Families of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, and Police Officers Lorne Ahrens, Michael Krol, Michael Smith, Brent Thompson, and Patrick Zamarripa

WASHINGTON, July 20, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, by majority vote, has issued a statement expressing condolences to the families of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, and police officers Lorne Ahrens, Michael Krol, Michael Smith, Brent Thompson, and Patrick Zamarripa. The full statement can be viewed here: 
http://www.usccr.gov/press/2016/PR_StatementCondolencesToFamilies.pdf

In its statement, the Commission calls for dialogue and mutual respect, and acknowledgement of the historical context that has led to the perceptions and stereotypes that law enforcement and people of color have of each other and change them. The Commission believes is important to value, respect and hear what every person has to contribute to the resolution of these issues.

The Commission has long stood for justice for all Americans and more recently has engaged the issue of police use of deadly force, including, for example, its 2014 request that the Department of Justice (DOJ) take bold action to protect the civil rights of the citizens of Ferguson, Missouri. In its statement, the Commission calls on the DOJ to take certain actions, for citizens to become involved in implementing the community-aspects of the President's task force's recommendations, and for law enforcement agencies, foundations, local, state and federal legislators and agencies to implement the task force recommendations expeditiously.

Commission Chair Martin R. Castro stated, "We mourn the loss of lives that occurred in Dallas, Baton Rouge and Falcon Heights. And as we do so, we remember also the lives lost in New York, Chicago, Pasco, Ferguson and elsewhere. This time, let us do more than mourn the losses, let us take concrete and constructive steps as a nation to finally end this cycle of violence."

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is an independent, bipartisan agency charged with advising the President and Congress on civil rights matters and issuing a federal civil rights enforcement report. For information about the Commission, please visit http://www.usccr.gov and follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/usccrgov

Media Contact: Brian Walch
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(202) 376-8371

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SOURCE U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

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