McKinney Outraged at Latest Incident of Police
Brutality
July 14, 2000
Washington DC. - Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney expressed extreme
outrage today at the latest incident of "Rodney King" style police
brutality which occurred yesterday in Philadelphia, the supposed
city of "Brotherly Love."
Television news cameras captured video of at least ten police officers
beating Thomas Jones, a car theft suspect, in the same way Rodney
King was beaten in Los Angeles just a few years ago.
"I am once again appalled at the callous brutality exhibited by
those who are sworn to protect us," said McKinney. "Regardless if
a human being is allegedly guilty of crime, no one deserves to be
beaten in the manner Thomas Jones was beaten yesterday."
Even though Jones was already in custody, police officers swarmed
around him, and began beating and kicking him, in obvious violation
of any police procedures.
"The assault of Mr. Jones by Philadelphia police along with the
brutal killing of Mr. Diallo and the barbaric treatment of Mr. Louima
by New York City police demonstrates the need for an independent
commission and investigation into what has always been a national
problem," said McKinney. "I commend Attorney General Janet Reno
on her swift reaction and I urge us all to realize that this sort
of heinous event happens too often, with or without a video camera
available to catch it on tape."
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