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18 ¦ JUNE 15, 2020 NEWS

Chief State’s Attorney Issues Statement
Regarding Death of George Floyd

By Michael Marciano

Connecticut has joined the list of state gov-
ernments around the nation officially
responding to the May 25 killing of George
Floyd by Minneapolis police, with Chief State’s
Attorney Richard J. Colangelo releasing a public
statement late Monday, following two weeks of
nationwide protests against police abuse of people
of color.
Colangelo said he “would generally refrain”
from commenting on the actions of police in oth-
er states, but that the Floyd tragedy, in which the
victim died while pinned to the street by his neck
under an officer’s knee, called for a response from
his office.
“The actions of those officers are reprehensible,
heart-wrenching, and criminal,” Colangelo stated.
“There is nothing to defend. There is nothing to de-
bate. I share in the sadness and outrage of those here Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney Richard Colangelo Jr.

and across the country.” Colangelo stated. “We need to restore police legiti-
Colangelo added that he is confident the matter macy, and the only way to do so is with thoughtful,
will be investigated by Minnesota authorities. comprehensive reform that is long overdue.
“For my part, I intend on supporting and
“Race-based policing has no place in our state or implementing policy changes to promote account-
country,” he continued. “But there are officers in ability and transparency,” Colangelo added. “I look
law enforcement whose actions cannot be tolerated. forward to having difficult conversations with leg-
And, the inaction by those who stood by, failing to islators, city leaders, police chiefs and members
render aid to Mr. Floyd, is perhaps more indicative of our communities to make the much-needed
of a culture of tolerance that cannot stand.” changes to restore trust in our legal system. We
While the role of police is to protect and serve, need to rebuild that fractured trust, and the only
Colangelo noted, communities lose trust when they way to do that is to take steps to ensure that every
believe they have not been treated fairly, and the citizen of our state is treated with respect, dignity
Floyd incident “is only the latest in a long line of na- and fairness.”
tional incidents of police brutality” against minority Colangelo concluded by saying he is committed
communities. to making sure all offenders are held accountable for
“There is no question that we need to improve the crimes, including those wearing uniforms.
relationships between law enforcement and the com- ¦

munity. Every citizen of our state deserves the same Michael Marciano is bureau chief of the Connecti-
level of respect and fairness, regardless of the color cut Law Tribune. He can be reached by email or
of their skin or in what neighborhood they live,” call 646-957-3022. On Twitter: @BreakingCTLaw

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