For Immediate Release 

Date: June 2, 2020

Vancouver NAACP condemns the recent actions by police, law enforcement, and justice officials in the deaths George Floyd in Minneapolis and Ahmaud Arbery in Glynn County, GA. We also condemn the recent killing of William Abbe here in Vancouver.

Videos of a Minneapolis policeman killing Mr. George Floyd while he begged for his life, and while three other officers stood by and watched, left us once again dismayed, angered and exhausted as we watched another black man needlessly and intentionally killed by police.

That horrific death and the failure of justice officials to swiftly arrest and charge the officers have helped convince the nation that police, emboldened by institutional racism, are needlessly and purposely killing black people. And that black people should not have to continuously shoulder this dismay, anger, and exhaustion at the hands of a justice system that denies us justice. 

Protests now rage across the country. Earnest people are demanding that the country make real changes in the nation's law enforcement and justice system. Some city and state leaders are finally naming the problem that must be resolved.

A video of the killing of Mr. Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia unveiled numerous reprehensible acts by law enforcement and justice officials who condoned, participated, and almost succeeded in covering up his murder. This hideous situation revealed the depths of racism and protectionism embodied in some law enforcement and justice departments. We demand that police and law enforcement leaders in our city and country go the distance to eradicate the acceptance and practice of racism to any extent in these institutions. 

Here in Vancouver, we continue to call for the end to disparate treatment by police of black people and people of color and the mentally ill. Videos of the recent shooting of William Abbe, a homeless man, who may have been experiencing a mental health crisis at the time, were disturbing.  We want to know how and why VPD Officers, notwithstanding the extent and nature of the threats posed by Mr. Abbe on that day, determined that the use of deadly force was the only reasonable or necessary way to end the incident or to fulfill their duty to protect and serve the citizens of Vancouver in good faith.

We will continue to protest and demand change and accountability by law enforcement and justice departments in our country and in our City of Vancouver.

We recognize that people need ways to express their grief, frustration, and anger. At YWCA Clark County, you will find a memorial for George Floyd. We welcome your flowers, notes, and other mementos honoring his life.

Additionally, on Saturday, June 6, 2020 we are hosting a Car Rally for Black Lives. We urge you to visit our website for more information and to register. https://www.naacpvancouverwa.org/