FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kristia Winter, Communications Director
KWinter@council.nyc.gov, 718-629-2900

BROOKLYN, NY — Today, Council Member Farah N. Louis (D-Brooklyn) issued the following statement after a Georgia grand jury indicted the three suspects in the murder of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery who was fatally shot while he was jogging. Four months later, the indictment includes four counts of felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, and one count each of false imprisonment and criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment.

STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER LOUIS

“The Arbery family and community took one step forward in their pursuit of justice for the murder of Ahmaud Arbery. The indictment of three neighborhood vigilantes who decided to take the law into their hands and kill an unarmed Black man would not have been possible without the public outcry and outrage of a community that demanded accountability and swift action. Despite the recorded footage of these suspects’ inhumane treatment of Arbery and the use of a racial slur, it took three months before they were taken into custody. Justice delayed is justice deferred, the time-lapse in this investigation is a clear indication of racial bias. We, as a community, must remain vigilant in this case to ensure that there is a conviction and proper sentencing.”

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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