NAACP Strongly Support the Decision of the U.S. Department of Justice to Investigate the Incidents That Led to the Death of Freddie Gray

NAACP Statement on DOJ’s Decision to Investigate Death of Freddie Gray

BALTIMORE, MD – The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into the death of a Freddie Gray, a black man who died of spinal injuries he suffered while being transported in a police van.

From Cornell William Brooks, NAACP President & CEO:

“We at the NAACP strongly support the decision of the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the incidents that led to the death of Freddie Gray. A comprehensive review into what caused the severe spinal injuries Mr. Gray suffered during the course of his arrest and subsequent transport in a police van is urgently needed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Mr. Gray as both local and federal law enforcement complete their investigations. Mr. Gray’s death represents another example in a series of tragedies of black lives being lost at the hands of someone in blue uniform.  His death and the others demand that we bring about systemic reform of policing in this country including the passage of the End Racial Profiling Act, the use of body cameras, the deployment of independent investigation bodies and the use of civilian review boards. The people of Baltimore deserve answers, and the NAACP will not rest until justice is served for Mr. Gray and his family.”