U.S. Representative Robin Kelly and Representative Luis V. Gutiérrez sent a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch inviting her to visit Chicago as part of the investigation she has launched into the patterns and practices of the Chicago Police Department (CPD) in the wake of Laquan McDonald’s murder by a Chicago police officer. They asked that the Attorney General meet with constituents and talk to stakeholders in each Congressional District in the City.
“The AG ought to visit personally and see the neighborhoods and talk with people in all of Chicago’s diverse communities because we all interact with police and need to know they can be trusted,” Rep. Gutiérrez said. “Ultimately, this is about building confidence in the police and getting them to work with the communities they protect and patrol.”
“A visit from the Attorney General to meet with key stakeholders and constituents will signal to Chicagoans that the Department of Justice is making progress,” Congresswoman Kelly said. “People on the streets need to see that something is being done to help rebuild trust in law enforcement.”
When he was Attorney General, Eric Holder visited Ferguson, Missouri as part of his inquiry into civil rights, police practices, and local government issues after Michael Brown was killed by local police. The two Congressional Representatives hope Attorney General Lynch will make a similar visit to Chicago to hear directly from Chicagoans and examine issues personally.
Rep. Kelly stated, “Loretta Lynch has spent her entire professional life diligently working to bridge the divide between law enforcement and the communities they serve. I have full confidence that Attorney General Lynch actively leading the charge will allow for a robust investigation that is restorative for all of Chicago.”
“I am confident the Attorney General and her staff are going to conduct a thorough and fair investigation,” Rep. Gutiérrez said, “but one important step towards healing and restoring trust will be her personal involvement.”
Both Members of Congress pledged to cooperate with and monitor the Attorney General’s investigation and help her in any way possible.
A copy of the letter from Reps. Kelly and Gutiérrez to Attorney General Lynch is here:http://1.usa.gov/1jOBzDa (pdf).
Ewa Malcher
