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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Raymond Dehn (DFL)

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Statement from State Representative Raymond Dehn on the arrest related to the killing of George Floyd

Friday, May 29, 2020

St. Paul, MN - State Representative Raymond Dehn (DFL - Minneapolis), whose district includes downtown and north Minneapolis, released the following statement after the latest news surrounding the killing of George Floyd, and the arrest of former Officer Derek Chauvin:

“George Floyd should be alive today. With the 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.”

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