We make this statement as Black people, alongside allies and organizations, standing in solidarity with those impacted by police violence and state oppression. We are committed to collective liberation, and we are outraged by the brutal violence inflicted on our communities.

The egregious actions of law enforcement nationally are incomprehensible; their government systems must do more to protect our people in every interaction with the police.

Together, we demand an end to police brutality, systemic racism, and the militarization of our communities.

We are coming together to demand:

• An end to police brutality and the disproportionate targeting of Black communities and communities of color.

• Stop Cop City: stop the expansion and development of militarized police training centers, expansion of fascism, furthering the militarization and surveillance of our city and the force of imperialism around the world.

• A call to the Department of Justice for accountability and transparent investigations into all instances of police misconduct, holding officers accountable for their actions through disciplinary measures or criminal charges for the impacted families in the DMV.

• Legislative changes: Supporting legislation at local, state, and federal levels aimed at reducing police brutality, such as banning chokeholds and establishing national databases of police misconduct.

• The end of qualified immunity for police officers, ensuring they are held accountable under the law.

• Justice for Justin Robinson, who was fatally shot 11 times by the Metropolitan Police Department, and for Dalaneo "Debo" Martin, who was shot six times and killed by U.S. Park Police, two ongoing local Police Brutality cases in DC.

• Justice for the countless other victims in the DMV and Nationally who have been violated and suffered from police violence.

• Support for The People's Response Act, reintroduced by U.S. Representative Cori Bush, which promotes a holistic, health-centered approach to public safety and seeks to build systems of care that improve the well-being of all communities. This includes hiring mental-health professionals as non-police first responders to de-escalate mental-health crises and investing in community organizations that address local safety needs.

• Training and education: Emphasizing the need for comprehensive training for law enforcement on issues such as racial bias, mental health awareness, and conflict resolution.

• Victim support: Providing resources and support for victims of police violence and their families, including legal assistance and mental health services.

• Investments in restorative justice practices that empower communities and promote healing over punishment.

The data is clear: Over the past decade, only 1 in 1,000 police killings of civilians resulted in a conviction of the officer involved. In 2021 alone, police killed 1,134 people, yet officers involved in these incidents often face minimal consequences. Officers are frequently shielded from accountability by the legal doctrine of qualified immunity, which protects them from civil lawsuits unless their actions violate "clearly established" rights. This systemic bias fosters a culture where police are less accountable for their actions, perpetuating a cycle of violence that disproportionately affects Black communities and other marginalized groups.

We refuse to remain silent as our communities continue to face harassment, violence, and terror at the hands of those sworn to protect and serve. We demand justice for Justin, Dalaneo, and all others who have lost their lives or have been affected by police brutality. We seek a future where safety is defined by community strength and solidarity, not by surveillance and control.

We call on elders, youth, students, artists, workers, people of faith, activists, teachers, and politicians to mobilize, organize, and speak out. Our voices are stronger together, and we are united in the demand for justice.

We rise up in solidarity with all those resisting state violence and oppression. Join us on October 22nd for National Stop Police Brutality Day to demand change until every community is free from the terror of police violence.