FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2020
Joint statement from Charlottesville-Albemarle Commonwealth’s Attorneys
We join with other local leaders in Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville who have expressed their condolences to the family and friends of Minneapolis resident George Floyd. Condolences are not enough.
We must do more. One member of our community, University of Virginia Chief of Police Timothy J. Longo, has responded by calling on his police officers to recommit to their oath of office during these difficult times:
"The many dedicated men and women who endeavor so faithfully to go about their work in ways that honor their oath and provide good to their communities are now faced with the need to work that much harder in the midst of this pain and widespread turmoil that has come upon us. Our work matters in the lives of others. Each and every day we must set out to do good, to act with measured restraint, to honor our commitment to the Constitutional principles that guide our work, and to always, always, respect the sanctity of human life--no matter what. It is an undisputed truth that we cannot turn back time and correct the many things that have driven a destructive wedge between our profession and those whom we serve. What we can do, always, is to recommit to the promise that we made when we took on the duty of service to others.”
As prosecutors, we stand with Chief Longo and others in acknowledging and responding to the rage, pain, and anguish left in the wake of Mr. Floyd’s death. As Chief Longo said, our work does matter in the lives of others.
As we go about that work, we recommit ourselves and our offices to upholding equal justice, protecting the safety of all members of our community, and eliminating racism.
Jim Hingeley
Albemarle County Commonwealth’s Attorney
Joe Platania
Charlottesville Commonwealth’s Attorney
Media Contacts
Joseph Platania
Commonwealth’s Attorney
City of Charlottesville
434-970-3176
platania@charlottesville.org
James Hingeley
Commonwealth’s Attorney
Albemarle County
434-972-4072
jhingeley@albemarle.org