Washington - Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney (D-GA), a member of the International Relations Committee and Ranking Member of the International Operations and Human Rights Subcommittee, commends the young people in Los Angeles who rallied en force last Wednesday against continuing police brutality and racial profiling.

Over 2,500 demonstrators marched from Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles to Staples Center, home to the Democratic National Convention, to protest the growing national trend of police brutality and racial profiling. This type of police discrimination has been repeatedly epitomized by L.A.'s Rampart police division where an anti-gang unit has been accused of planting evidence and lying in criminal cases.

In July, after the incident of police brutality in Philadelphia, where police were videotaped kicking car theft suspect Thomas Jones, McKinney commented, "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. 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." McKinney continued, "These demonstrators have once again shown the world that THEY know what's really going on. I support them totally and commend them for their caring and committed spirit."

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