Press Releases

Today, Representative G. K. Butterfield (NC-01), Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), issued the following statement in response to the death of Freddie Gray and protests in Baltimore, Maryland:

“Members of the Congressional Black Caucus offer our deepest sympathies to the family of Freddie Gray and the Baltimore community during this difficult time.  We call for peaceful protests so that additional lives are not lost.  We understand people are angry and that the community is upset, but violence only distracts us from the justice we seek.  Violence does not lead to justice.

“The Department of Justice has opened an investigation into the cause of Mr. Gray’s death and the CBC supports that investigation.  We all play a critical role in helping restore trust in law enforcement and our justice system.  The CBC will continue to work with federal, state and local governments to ensure this system is fair and impartial.  African Americans deserve to be treated equally before the law.”

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Since its establishment in 1971, Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) have joined together to empower America’s neglected citizens and address their legislative concerns. For more than 40 years, the CBC has consistently been the voice for people of color and vulnerable communities in Congress and has been committed to utilizing the full Constitutional power and statutory authority of the United States government to ensure that all U.S. citizens have an opportunity to achieve the American Dream. To learn more about the Congressional Black Caucus, visit http://cbc-butterfield.house.gov.

Media inquiries: Candace L. Randle at (202) 593-1331 or Candace.Randle@mail.house.gov