Amid Uprising at St. Louis City Justice Center, Congresswoman Cori Bush Demands Full Transparency and Human Rights Protections

Press Release

Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01) released the following statement following today's uprising at the St. Louis City Justice Center:

"What we saw today--and have been seeing at the St. Louis City Justice Center (CJC)--must be addressed immediately," said Congresswoman Cori Bush. "Long before today, our jails have been notorious for their unsafe and unsanitary conditions.

"We have an incarceration crisis. To date, 1 in 5 incarcerated people nationally has tested positive for COVID-19, including many across the City of St. Louis. I am concerned that the conditions for people who are incarcerated pose serious risks to their health, safety, and wellbeing as well as that of those who work there.

"I am calling for complete transparency and accountability from the city of St. Louis. Officials must publicly disclose the city's COVID-19 testing protocols, case rate and hospitalization data, vaccination plans, use of solitary confinement, and transfer procedures for its local jails. Additionally, following two previous uprisings at CJC, our community needs information about any actions taken to address concerns raised by people in detention, some of whom are simply being held because they cannot afford bail.

"I have been in contact with local government officials and community leaders since I became aware of the incident early this morning. My team and I are taking steps to reach out to the impacted families and communities to figure out the path forward to justice. I want to ensure that the demands made by those being held at CJC are not ignored, and I plan to investigate this further. There needs to be a plan to improve conditions and decarcerate.

"My thoughts are with all those who have been harmed or injured during today's events. To everyone involved, especially those in the system and their families, know that you have a Congresswoman who loves everyone in our community and who wants to hear directly from you. If you have information about the conditions that people who are incarcerated are living under in our community--or for any other needs my office can help you with during this time--please call or leave a message with my office at 314-955-9980 to share your story."

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