WASHINGTON (May 25, 2021)—On the one year anniversary of the death of George Floyd, R Street’s Director of Criminal Justice and Civil Liberties Jillian Snider released the following statement:

“One year ago today, George Floyd was brutally killed over an alleged low-level, non-violent offense, a police officer abandoned his oath to protect and serve and instead exhibited a complete disregard for human life, and our nation collectively took notice and demanded justice.

Long before George Floyd’s death, community members and activists stressed the need for policing reform. While it was a highly discussed topic, no real change occurred.

It is terrible that it took an event such as this to shake our nation awake but since May 25, 2020, we have seen some progress. Law enforcement agencies across the country have vowed change, including modifications to use-of-force policies, mandated body worn cameras, and more training to reduce implicit and/or racial bias.

This, though, is not enough. We need compromise from both sides to ensure a bipartisan deal and the passing of the George Floyd in Policing Act.”

Image credit: demerzel21

Featured Publications