ADL Statement on Arrest of Officers Involved in Murder of George Floyd

New York, NY, June 3, 2020 … ADL (Anti-Defamation League) CEO and National Director Jonathan A. Greenblatt issued the following statement today on the elevation of charges against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin and the charges brought against the three other former officers involved in the murder of George Floyd:

Today’s announcement by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is an important step forward in securing justice for George Floyd and his family – but it is only that: a step.

Racism is a plague on America. Simply arresting the four officers responsible for Mr. Floyd’s death will not heal the very raw wound caused by centuries of systemic racism in this country, and today’s bittersweet news will not bring any closure to the Floyd family and our communities. But we are thankful Attorney General Keith Ellison has taken this decisive action as we continue to stand in solidarity with the Black community in the fight for an equal and just system.

We are also grateful the Minnesota Department of Human Rights has opened up a civil rights investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department over the murder of Mr. Floyd and past instances of police misconduct in the department.