Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Sewell released the following statement on the shootings of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Philando Castile in Falcon Heights, Minnesota, and of the  five police officers killed and seven injured in Dallas, Texas:

 “The tragic, senseless shootings that have shaken the nation over the last three days are deeply troubling. It is unacceptable for police officers to have shot Alton Sterling, a subdued man, at point blank range. It is unacceptable for an officer to shoot Philando Castile in Falcon Heights, Minnesota, as he complied with the procedure of alerting the officer of his license to carry. It is also unacceptable for an armed man to use a peaceful protest to carry out his agenda and murder five innocent Dallas police officers and injuring seven others.

“It is more than frustrating to imagine a nation with individuals who have such little regard for the sanctity of human life. Now is the time we must make a decision to take action to unite as one great nation and work together to ensure true liberty and justice for all Americans. Senseless killings are just that–senseless. Regardless of race or occupation, this must stop. We must promote human dignity and respect the sanctity of all life.

“The families of these victims are deserving of a full, fair and transparent investigation so that justice can be served.  There are too many questions, too few answers and too much blood that has been shed.  Enough is enough – continued acts of gun violence and unlawful killings must not become the new normal.” 

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