Statement on the Police Shooting of Najee Seabrooks
We join with our partners at Salvation and Social Justice, as well as other organizations, in expressing our grief over the tragic police shooting of Najee Seabrooks, a nonviolent crisis interventionist with the Paterson Healing Collective. A survivor of gun violence, Najee worked tirelessly to help solve disputes nonviolently. We offer our condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and to the Paterson community. Our chaplain team extends its support to all of those struggling with this violence and to those who have been touched by police violence. If you would like a call from a chaplain, reach out to careteam@summitbeacon.org.
Again we see how our justice system is unequal and unjust along racial lines. As Unitarian Universalists, desecrating the inherent worth and dignity of human life runs counter to our basic principles, and we are committed to accountably dismantling racism in our institutions.
We call our members to action. Reach out to your elected officials in support of the demands below, identified by Salvation and Social Justice. Complete details can be found here.
The time for thoughts and prayers is long gone. Enough is enough!
NJ Attorney General Matthew Platkin
609-984-5828 | Contact form | Twitter
Asking for:
State takeover of the Paterson police department
AG to conduct a comprehensive review and investigation of the Paterson Police Department
AG to initiate complaints of all officers involved in Najee’s killing
Paterson Mayer André Sayegh
973-321-1600 | mayorsayegh@patersonnj.gov | Twitter
Asking for:
Mayor to immediately resign
Find your NJ state legislators here.
Asking for:
Legislature to immediately codify the Attorney General’s Use of Force Directive
Legislature to adopt policy that would establish Community Civilian Review Boards
$25 million dollar investment in the Community Based Violence Intervention Program
Immediate passage of legislation that would establish community led response teams