Workers Circle Statement on the Murder of George Floyd

The Workers Circle joins the ACLU in calling for a “fair, independent, and transparent investigation following the death of George Floyd, a Black man, at the hands of Minneapolis police Monday evening.”  

We decry the unreasonable and unnecessary use of force by the police that killed George Floyd and has killed so many black Americans in this nation for generations.   

We further denounce the inflammatory, racist post on Twitter by President Trump which included the phrase “when the looting starts, the shooting starts,” echoing a terrifying 1967 statement directed at the African American community during the civil rights era by Walter E. Headley, then Miami Police Chief. President Trump’s post escalates fear and foments a sense of impunity among those police officers who would use brutal, illegal violence. It is immoral, inexcusable and a disgrace to the office he holds.  

We continue to stand with people all across this nation who are committed to building an America where black lives matter. Together let us reform this nation’s economic, political, and criminal justice systems until they serve all the people.