We have a problem in America, and in Washington state, with violence and death.
I support the governor’s decision to have the state’s attorney general review the county prosecutor’s decision not to file charges against the three officers who fired the 17 shots that killed Antonio Zambrano-Montes.
It’s a tragedy when a police officer dies in the line of duty—and just as tragic when people are shot and killed by police.
This is happening far too frequently, especially with people of color.
So far this year, 18 people in Washington state have been fatally shot by police or died in custody.
England and Wales had 55 fatal police shootings in the last 24 years.
Here in America, we had 59 fatal police shootings in the first 24 days of 2015. The total now stands at 808 dead, according to a database maintained by the Guardian newspaper.
As a mother, I can only imagine the pain of losing one of my sons or daughters.
As a lawmaker, I believe we have a duty to act. Because it doesn’t have to be this way.
It’s time for fair, independent investigations of police shootings—and a hard look at practical ways to prevent these tragedies.
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