FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2020
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswomen Nanette Diaz Barragán and Maxine Waters released the following joint statement about the shooting death of Andres Guardado by a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy in Gardena:
“Another day, and another Black or Brown kid has been shot in the back by police. These killings must stop. We demand it. The American people demand it.
“Andres Guardado is the latest young man of color killed by police gunfire. He was shot in the back. The officers involved did not wear body cameras.
“We demand answers and call for an independent investigation into this tragic death. There must be full transparency so the public can trust the investigation and we know we are getting the truth.
“We are asking California Attorney General Xavier Becerra to conduct a full investigation into this incident.
“Far too often, young Brown and Black men are caught up in a ‘shoot first, ask questions later’ scenario with police officers. We will not stand for it whether it is in Atlanta, or like this case, in South Los Angeles.
“Change must come now. For weeks, the American people and the world have marched to demand accountability, put an end to aggressive and violent police tactics, and equal justice for Black and Brown communities. We must show them their pleas are being heard. Now. That begins with making sure we get justice for Andres Guardado.”
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Nanette Diaz Barragán is proud to represent California’s 44th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Carson, Compton, Florence-Firestone, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, San Pedro, South Gate, Walnut Park, Watts, Willowbrook and Wilmington.