GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY
“One year ago today, George Floyd was murdered, and the ensuing calls for justice following his death galvanized our nation. While some measure of justice was ultimately delivered for George Floyd and his family, it does not bring him, nor the many other victims of injustice, back. He, and they, should all be alive today.
“Over the past year, millions of Americans from every possible background have marched, protested, advocated, and prayed together. Together, we have come face-to-face with America’s long history of inequality and systemic racism. We will not accept this as just another part of our national condition. Instead, we have focused our energies on eliminating deep-seated racial inequities in wages, health care, housing, education, and in treatment by law enforcement.
“In New Jersey we have enacted new laws to require that body cameras be worn by members of law enforcement and for the Attorney General to independently investigate officer-involved deaths and to present evidence before a grand jury. We are updating use-of-force guidelines for the first time in a generation. And we support efforts to enhance transparency in making the disciplinary records of law enforcement public.
“Today is our moment to look back at the steps we have taken to right centuries-old wrongs. But today we also look ahead to the hard work that still remains, and we recommit to moving forward in George Floyd’s name and in the names of all who have been victims of injustice.”
STATE SENATOR JOE CRYAN, ASSEMBLYWOMAN ANNETTE QUIJANO, AND REV. REGINALD JACKSON
“George Floyd should still be alive today. Mr. Floyd’s murder shocked the nation’s conscience and brought racial justice into focus for all Americans. Last year we marched for George Floyd and, together with Governor Murphy, we passed legislation to make bad actors in law enforcement more accountable to the public they serve. While we took many steps, we have not completed the journey. The work of equality is an ongoing struggle, in public safety, education, healthcare, housing, and so many other issues. We will continue to fight for the equality we all stood for and demanded in the days, weeks and months after George Floyd’s death until it is achieved. In April of 2021, we recognized the importance of a jury finding Derek Chauvin guilty of murder. Today, we remember George Floyd and continue the call to move forward with the important work required in the ongoing fight for racial and social justice.”
ASSEMBLY SPEAKER CRAIG COUGHLIN
“George Floyd was tragically murdered in Minneapolis, Minnesota one year ago today. The video of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Mr. Floyd’s neck for 9 minutes, 29 seconds leading to his death horrified the nation and left the Floyd family mourning to this day. Since Mr. Floyd’s murder, too many Americans have died as a result of encounters with law enforcement. We must continue to work to end that. My prayers go out to Mr. Floyd, his family and his many friends on the anniversary of his death. We will continue to push to make New Jersey a more equitable and just place to live.”