WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement marking the one-year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder.

“One year ago, a cell phone video displayed the senseless, brutal murder of a fellow American at the hands of a sworn officer of the law. This cell phone video led to millions of Americans — including thousands in Central Virginia — calling for increased accountability in American police departments and demonstrating solidarity with George Floyd and his family.

“This cell phone video reminded the American people that equal justice under law — a core principle embedded in our founding documents — has still not been achieved for far, far too many Black men and women in our communities. Earlier this year, we saw the conviction of former officer Derek Chauvin — but this conviction cannot bring George Floyd back, and one man’s conviction will not lead to the reforms so desperately needed across our country. In the wake of George Floyd’s death, Congress must take concrete actions to fix our current system, deliver progress, and save lives.

“Earlier this year, I was proud to vote in support of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, because we must address systemic racism, strengthen funding for community policing initiatives, and restore trust between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. I am hopeful that George Floyd’s story will continue to guide us as we work together to make Central Virginia a safer and more compassionate place for all — and I urge the Senate to move forward on passing meaningful reforms that can make it to President Biden’s desk and be signed into law.”

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In March 2021, Spanberger voted to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, legislation that would address issues of systemic racism within law enforcement, protect funding for critical community policing initiatives, and increase accountability in U.S. police departments.

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