SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Local, state and federal law enforcement partners join together to condemn the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and offer sincere condolences to his family and colleagues, Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert, Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones, Sacramento Chief of Police Daniel Hahn, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan announced.

Mr. Floyd’s death is being addressed through our criminal justice system, which is moving quickly. The state prosecutor has brought murder charges against a former Minneapolis police officer. As United States Attorney General Barr announced on May 29, the Department of Justice, including the FBI, is also conducting an independent investigation to determine whether any federal civil rights laws were violated.

Peaceful protest is a time-honored tradition in our country, and we in law enforcement strive to protect these important First Amendment rights. The majority of those protesting are doing so peacefully. But when protests turn violent, this endangers the community, and law enforcement must act to protect the community. As a civilized society based upon the rule of law, we will not tolerate violence, anarchy or chaos that threatens the safety of the community.

Local, state and federal law enforcement will continue to work together to protect the community’s First Amendment rights and to protect the community from violence and lawlessness. State and federal statutes may apply.

District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert states, “Racism and bigotry have no place in our country. Not in Minneapolis, New York, Los Angeles, Sacramento nor anywhere else. Each of us, irrespective of the color of our skin, the neighborhood we live in, the person we love or the job we hold, should be treated with fairness and equality.  Much more must be done to level the playing field within our society and our system of justice.  The killing of George Floyd serves as a stark reminder of the work that remains. As Sacramento District Attorney, I will zealously support every citizen’s right to protest, particularly in these painful times.  At the same time, I will also zealously prosecute those who choose violence, looting or lawlessness to harm our community.  I join law enforcement and community leaders in calling for unity and peace, not violence and chaos, while we work together to make real progress toward equal justice.”

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