Congresswoman Fudge’s Statement on  Grand Jury Indictments Following 2012 Deadly Police Chase

WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS, OH – Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) released the following statement regarding the decision of a Cuyahoga County Grand Jury today pertaining to the actions of Cleveland Police Officers in the fatal shooting of Malissa Williams and Timothy Russell:

“Our community was deeply shocked and saddened by the deaths of two unarmed residents that resulted from the barrage of gunfire directed at them by Cleveland Police Officers on the night of November 29, 2012. The presentation of evidence by the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor to a grand jury relating to criminal charges is one step in a lengthy legal process.   In reviewing the evidence, the grand jury has done its job and rendered two felony counts of manslaughter against one Cleveland Police officer and misdemeanor charges of dereliction of duty against five police supervisors. No one is above the law. I look forward to the process in the courts continuing and upholding the principal that anyone who breaks the law will be held accountable,” said Congresswoman Fudge.

“Further, the U.S. Department of Justice review requested by my office  of the Cleveland Division of Police use of deadly force and pursuit policies is ongoing.  Our community has been patient. Some changes have already been implemented but clearly, more must also be done administratively to ensure that another tragic incident such as this will never occur again.”

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