Police in Portsmouth announced charges on Monday against state senator Louise Lucas (D). Police Chief Angela Greene announced that her department has charged Lucas and several other members of the community after a man was severely injured when protesters removed a confederate statue back in June.
The Police Chief has asked all individuals facing charges to turn themselves in to police. They currently are facing an arrest warrant.
“It’s deeply troubling that on the verge of Virginia passing long-overdue police reform, the first Black woman to serve as our Senate Pro Tempore is suddenly facing highly unusual charges,” said Virginia Governor Ralph Northam. “Senator Lucas, I look forward to seeing you in Richmond tomorrow—so we can get to work.”
“The VLBC strongly condemns the suspiciously timed and seemingly retaliatory actions by the Portsmouth Police against Senate President Pro Tempore @SenLouiseLucas,” announced the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus in a press release.
“She left at 1 o’clock and riots began at 9 in the evening,” said Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw to the Washington Post. “I just don’t know how you incite a riot eight hours after you left the place. There’s something that just does not make any sense.”
“As we begin Special Session, with a focus on issues of racial bias and injustice in policing, this action by Portsmouth PD is remarkable for its dissonance,” said Senator Ghazala Hashmi (D). “@SenLouiseLucas is an outspoken voice for social justice, breaking glass ceilings & new ground. Injury to a monument?”
“Breonna Taylor’s murderers are free and Senator Lucas is facing charges for ‘conspiracy to commit a felony and injury to a monument,'” said Richmond Mayoral candidate Alexsis Rodgers. “Our justice system needs structural transformation.”
“My friend and a truly stand up person – she has always made Good Trouble,” said Democratic Party of Virginia Chairwoman Susan Swecker. “Standing with @SenLouiseLucas then, now and in the future.”
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