Democratic Party of Virginia Chair Susan Swecker released the following statement in response to the murder of George Floyd and the President's response to events in Minneapolis: 

“My heart goes out to the family of George Floyd, whose murder at the hands of Minneapolis Police sparked the events we’re witnessing now. 

We’re seeing how centuries of racial terror built systems that, as United States Senator Tim Kaine said, ‘permit, protect, and even promote the brutalization of African Americans.’ We’re seeing justified rage boiling over in response to those systems. 

Meanwhile, the President has threatened to shoot protestors and dehumanized his political opponents. His racist and violent language is the opposite of leadership. I pray for justice for the Floyd family and all of those who have been murdered by police officers. 

The onus is on each of us to call out injustice and fight for peace in our country and Commonwealth. Today, the Democratic Party of Virginia reaffirms our commitment to meeting that challenge. ”