WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both-Del.) gathered with members of the Senate Democratic Caucus in Emancipation Hall at the U.S. Capitol to observe a moment of silence to honor the lives of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor and stand in solidarity with peaceful protestors gathering in Delaware and across the country who are calling for fundamental changes to our justice systems and institutions.

“Delawareans and Americans across the country watched a tragedy unfold last week that remains all too common in our country – the murder of yet another unarmed black man, George Floyd, at the hands of law enforcement. Once again, systemic injustices in our country took the very last breath of an innocent father, brother and son. Sadly, his tragic death followed the deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and too many others,” said Senator Carper. “We are a nation in crisis. We have reached an inflection point. We are seeing Americans rise up, from coast to coast, to demand equal treatment and equal justice for all Americans, regardless of the color of their skin. Citizens from all walks of life are rightly calling for fundamental changes to our systems and institutions. And, as elected officials, we have a sacred responsibility to act with a sense of purpose and urgency. Dr. King said, ‘the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.’ I believe that to be true, but we have a lot of work to do. Now, it is time for action.”

“Today, we marked a moment of silence to remember George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many other African Americans whose lives have been senselessly and unjustly taken,” said Senator Coons.  “While today we remembered, reflected, and prayed, our job now is to act and change our laws to make real the promise of liberty and justice for all Americans.”