FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Kristia Winter
718-629-2900 / KWinter@council.nyc.gov

BROOKLYN, NY — New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis issued the following statement after a video depicting excessive use of police force and aggression towards an unarmed young black man named Fitzroy Gayle in Canarsie went viral.

STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER FARAH N. LOUIS

“I stand in solidarity with Fitzroy Gayle and the countless men of color throughout this city who have been targeted, tackled, and traumatized by one or MORE encounters with the NYPD. As I watched this heart-wrenching video, Eric Garner’s last words, ‘I can’t breathe’ began to echo loudly in my ear. I am grateful that Fitzroy is alive yet he is emotionally and physically scarred by officers who swore to protect and serve not terrorize our community. We do not have five years or more to investigate the deplorable behavior of the officers who cornered, pinned, then cuffed a young black man who was never told why he was stopped and met with such aggression.

“There is no excuse for their misconduct and mistreatment of a young black man whose hands were up and was fearful for his own safety. This is an open-and-shut case. These officers should be FIRED, not policing our community. Justice deferred is justice denied. We cannot wait, we demand police accountability NOW. Our fathers, sons, and brothers deserve to be treated with human decency. No one should ever experience what Daphne Gayle or Gwen Carr and their families have been through. This unfortunate incident cannot be downplayed or dismissed as a need for more training. I am calling on NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea to conduct an investigation as customary, but suspend every officer-involved without pay, and ensure that justice is served without hesitation,” said Council Member Farah N. Louis.

New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis represents the 45th Council District, which is comprised of Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Marine Park, Flatlands, & Kensington in Brooklyn, NY. She is a member of the committees on Civil Service and Labor; Economic Development; Education; Finance; Housing and Buildings; Youth Services; and Justice System. Council Member Louis is the Co-Chair of the Women’s Caucus and Vice Co-Chair of the Black, Latino/a, and Asian Caucus.

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