Pelosi Statement on Deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile

"In the past two days, two more names were added to a heart-wrenching, unbearably long list of African Americans who have lost their lives during encounters with police officers: Alton Sterling and Philando Castile.  Our hearts ache for their loved ones, their communities, and our nation.

"Governors Edwards and Dayton were right to request independent Department of Justice investigations to ensure the facts are known and justice is served.  But as President Obama said, whatever the outcome of these investigations, ‘what's clear is that these fatal shootings are not isolated incidents.  They are symptomatic of the broader challenges within our criminal justice system.'

"Black lives matter.  We must insist on that truth to end the injustice in our communities, and honor with action our responsibility to make real the promise of equality in our country.  Congress can begin by enacting Congressman John Conyers' Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act to support better training for use of force, more extensive reporting requirements, and higher standards for the accreditation of police departments.  For all those whose lives have been cut short or changed forever, for all those law enforcement officials fulfilling their duties with dignity and integrity, for every American who wants justice and equality, we can and must do better."