For Immediate Release:
June 2, 2020
Contact:
Matthew Nocella, 202.286.1987 - mnocella@dccouncil.us
D.C. should rescind curfew and demilitarize police
Washington, D.C. – The following is a statement from Councilmember David Grosso:
“I share the outrage of many residents of our city about what occurred during the curfew last night. It began with an assault on protestors exercising their First Amendment rights in Lafayette Square shortly before 7pm and continued into the night, including downtown D.C. being buzzed by helicopters and protestors corralled by police on Swann Street, NW. The people have a right to peaceably assemble, but even that is being curtailed as the Secret Service has announced that access to Lafayette Square to the public will be prohibited indefinitely.
“The curfew and militarization of the police are only serving to increase conflicts between residents and police.
“The Mayor must:
Rescind tonight’s curfew;
End coordination with federal authorities who have demonstrated no interest in maintaining peace; and
Provide a full accounting to the Council and the public of the Metropolitan Police Department’s actions last night, in particular the deeply upsetting and terrifying images we saw on Swann Street, NW.
“This is a time of great pain, fear, and rightful outrage. We need leadership that is focused on healing, transparency, and accountability.”
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