Congressman Troy Carter Statement on Federal Indictment of Former LSP Trooper for Civil Rights Abuses

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the United States Department of Justice indicted a former Louisiana State Police trooper on a federal civil rights charge for using excessive force on a Black motorist in 2019.

“This federal indictment is a welcome step toward justice for the countless, predominately Black, victims of Louisiana State Police’s brutality,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. “We still have a long way to go in the fight for accountability and equitable treatment. It is blatantly clear that a full pattern or practice investigation into the Louisiana State Police by the Justice Department continues to be necessary.”

Ahead of the indictment, Congressman Carter spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives reiterating his previous call for a federal investigation into misconduct at the Louisiana State Police.

The Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, sent a letter standing with Congressman Carter in support of a continuing investigation into this troubled Louisiana department.

“The unlawful actions of the Louisiana State Police are only some of the many examples of racially motivated violence and misconduct by police,” said Congressman Carter. “Without accountability and transparency, Black people in Louisiana and across the United States will continue to face racial profiling and targeted brutality. That is why it is essential that we pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.”

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