Congressman Troy Carter Hosts Listening Session with Family of Victims of Police Violence, Discusses Next Steps for Federal Policy to Bring Justice into Policing
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. convened a private listening session between several members of Congress and family members of victims of police violence. The family members represented victims who died during incidents with law enforcement in Louisiana.
This listening session and discussion focused on sharing the stories of the family members and the path forward for justice.
The members of Congress that attended were Congressman Troy Carter, Congressman Al Green and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.
The family members and close friends of victims of police violence in attendance were as follows:
- Ronald Greene’s mother, Mona Hardin
- Ronald Greene’s sister, Dinelle Hardin
- Ronald Greene’s friend, Terrance Key
- Dontrunner Robinson’s mother, Casa Bean
- Dontrunner Robinson’s brother, Myron Robinson
Several advocates from civil rights organizations were also in attendance.
“Meeting with and listening to these family members was powerful, humbling, and sobering all at the same time,” said Congressman Carter (LA-02). “Their stories exemplify how important it is that we take action on the federal, state, and local levels to increase police accountability and continue the never-ending fight for justice. Their loved ones should never haven been taken, but their passing cannot be in vain. This meeting is only a starting point. We must not rest until we have a justice system that actually metes out justice for everyone of every race and creed.”
Congressman Carter has previously called for a pattern-or-practice Department of Justice investigation into the Louisiana State Police, following extremely disturbing reports from their department, including the event that led to the death of Ronald Greene. Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus Joyce Beatty also sent a letter in support of further investigation. There has already been one DOJ indictment of a Louisiana State Police officer.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act in March 2021. Bipartisan negotiations on police reform policy have currently stalled in the Senate, but the message from all of the members who participated in today’s meeting is that the fight is not over.
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