U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, this evening issued the following statement:

“The videos bearing witness to the brutal killing of Tyre Nichols evoke feelings of pain, horror, and terror that are tragically familiar to so many Americans. Tyre Nichols is now part of a group whose names we know — like George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery — and whose names we don’t.

“Tyre Nichols should be alive today. My heart aches for his family, friends, and loved ones, who are dealing with an unimaginable loss. His death is a grave injustice. Those responsible must be held accountable, and we can’t stop there.

“In recent years I’ve worked with families, civil rights leaders, local mayors, activists, law enforcement leaders and union members and many more who all share the same understanding that we can raise the levels of transparency, accountability, and professionalism in American policing. Doing so will not only help prevent tragedies like this one, it will help us achieve higher levels of public safety. We can do better, we must do better, and this moment demands again that we muster the collective political will to act.

“Although Senate action on policing reform has proven difficult, from the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to more targeted reforms, I will never stop working to build a broad coalition to enact the changes that will make our nation safer, stronger, and more just.

“In the coming days as this new Congress is beginning, I will be renewing my legislative efforts to advance the reform we need and that Americans are demanding.”