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Dear Neighbors,
George Floyd should be alive today. The video many of us have seen is graphic and horrifying, but we must do all that we can to ensure these terrible images don’t numb our resolve to deliver justice and build a more accountable and inclusive society. What we’ve seen in this video is the result of a system that perpetuates that black and brown people don’t matter. They do. It’s long past time we dismantle the systems that allow this type of behavior to persist. No Minnesotan should fear for their safety because of what they look like, and I join with our community in both grieving and working toward that future.
With today’s arrest of former Officer Derek Chauvin and the charges of murder and manslaughter, we are a small step closer to justice, and will be closer still once the other officers involved in the killing of George Floyd are also arrested, but justice is not enough. It’s not enough to retroactively punish these crimes, we must also work to address the racism and white supremacy inherent in our structures that lead to these tragedies, such as my bill, HF 4122, which would modify an officer’s authority to use deadly force.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of George Floyd, and to our grieving community. While the destruction of our neighborhoods will not bring about necessary solutions, it’s important to remember that the anger and frustration physically manifesting is the result of 400 years of oppression. In addition to swift justice, what is needed is a complete overhaul of the institutions meant to serve and protect our communities.
If I can be of any help to you, please do not hesitate to contact me at rep.raymond.dehn@house.mn or (651) 296-8659. It’s an honor to serve you in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
In solidarity,
Raymond Dehn
State Representative
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