Rep. Schrader Issued the Following Statement

Press Release

Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR-05) issued the following statement today:

"I have spent much of the past week listening to the voices of color in my community. The senseless murder of George Floyd is horrific and tragically not an isolated incident. Police brutality has no role in American law enforcement".

"America is currently facing numerous unprecedented challenges and we are relying upon our first responders, including police to help keep us safe. It is unacceptable to have minority communities across America feel alienated from our own criminal justice system. I believe that continuing to reform the criminal justice system as we began to do last Congress is key to helping law enforcement do their job in a way that instills confidence in the equitable distribution of justice in America."

"Everyone in America has the First Amendment right to protest and make their voice heard. A distinction must be made between Americans exercising their right to make their voices heard and those only bent on violence and destruction. Using military force against peaceful protesters was a gross abuse of power by President Trump and only serves to further divide our country. Our mayors and governors are better equipped to make decisions about how the National Guard and other federal police can be helpful in restoring calm to their communities."

"Now is the time for our country to come together to root out injustice and turn away from hateful and divisive actions and rhetoric."

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