Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Beyond the Walls March for Justice, Tuesday, organized by Pastor Brian Brown and his youth church. It was a powerful demonstration of strength and solidarity that our community came together with one voice to embrace justice and equality for all. I am heartened by so many coming together peacefully to promote change and understanding. We are standing on the edge of history and with a multitude of peaceful demonstrations here and around the world. I am particularly inspired by the many high school students organizing rallies in their neighborhoods. It is often our young people who spark the most change and these young leaders are embracing it and charging forward. They will lead us on.
Last Friday, Fairfax County Police Officers responded to a call for service involving a man in crisis wandering on the street at Fordson Court. A police officer’s body worn camera shows an officer deescalating the situation when PFC Timberlake arrived on scene and used inappropriate and excessive force. Based on this action, investigations were immediately initiated at the direction of Police Chief Roessler. PFC Timberlake has been charged with three counts of assault and battery against a community member, and all officers on the scene have been placed on administrative leave. I strongly support Chief Roessler’s actions and these charges. The victim was taken for medical treatment and released.
I have watched the video (link below) and I am shocked, saddened and deeply troubled by this officer’s actions. I have spoken many times about the sanctity of life, opportunity and fairness for each of us and this officer’s actions do not reflect these values, our policies, or the law. Our County police have hundreds of practices and policies that our community, the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission and I have worked hard to put in place to create high standards.
Violence, regardless of the source, has no place in our community. I continue to believe that we have the highest quality police leadership and officers, who are highly trained in de-escalation and diversion first. They understand their commitment to our communities and believe strongly in transparency. In times like this, our actions must be as clear as our words and individuals held accountable. I am committed to ensuring our neighborhoods are safe for each person in our diverse community.
To the hundreds of you who joined Tuesday’s march and last Friday’s marches, the community leaders who spoke and inspired, the local police and fire departments who kept everyone save, and the local businesses and churches who supported our efforts – thank you! Together we sent a strong message to all in our community that injustice and inequality will not be tolerated! Regardless of skin color, ethnicity, gender, income, neighborhood, or education, all are welcome in these United States, and particularly in our vastly diverse County and District. It is our shared experiences that bring us together in understanding and acceptance of all. Peaceful demonstration is part of the fabric of our democracy, but looting and rioting are wrong, take away the power of the message, and, in many instances, bring more pain to those already struggling with injustice and financial hardship.
Yesterday, the Board unanimously approved a statement about racial injustices occurring both nationally and here at home. We also endorsed Chairman McKay's Task Force on Equity & Opportunity. The Task Force will be guided by the community and will explore a range of situations and policies that contribute to inequity and lack of opportunities. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news2/board-issues-joint-statement-announces-task-force-on-equity-and-opportunity/
In my address to the marchers Tuesday, I quoted the words of former President Obama on the 50th Anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery Marches. Obama said: “This is work for all Americans, not just some. Not just whites. Not just blacks. If we want to honor the courage of those who marched that day, then all of us are called to possess their moral imagination. All of us will need to feel as they did the fierce urgency of now. All of us need to recognize as they did that change depends on our actions, on our attitudes, the things we teach our children. And if we make such an effort, no matter how hard it may sometimes seem, laws can be passed, and consciences can be stirred, and consensus can be built.”
Please be aware that this video is graphic.