Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on the Shooting of Mr. Jacob Blake

OAKLAND, CA – Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement following the shooting of Mr. Jacob Blake by Kenosha, Wisconsin police: 

“Even as our entire country struggles to reckon with centuries of police violence against Black people, it happens again. Even as officers, like the ones who murdered George Floyd, are finally facing consequences for their actions, it happens again. When will it stop?  

“Jacob Blake should not be fighting for his life today. His children should not be traumatized. But he is, and they are, because police in Kenosha, Wisconsin shot him multiple times in the back at point blank range as he walked away. Like the video of George Floyd’s murder, the images of police shooting Mr. Blake in front of his children are heartbreaking and infuriating.

“It has been almost three months since the House passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to address systemic racism in law enforcement. It emphasizes that no one is above the law, including police officers.  

“Mitch McConnell continues to obstruct police reforms supported by a large majority of Americans across the political spectrum. I join those in demanding that Mitch McConnell bring this bill to the Senate floor for a vote.

“I'm praying for Mr. Blake, for his family, and for his full recovery, and for the families of the people who died last night during the protests in Kenosha.”