The Black Prosecutors Association Los Angeles (BPLA) has observed with much dismay, the recent attacks on those of Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander descent. BPLA emphatically condemns any acts of violence against any persons on the basis of race, gender or sexual orientation.

BPLA urges the prompt investigation of all of these incidents as potential hate crimes. If there proves to be sufficient evidence, we demand that they be prosecuted locally or federally as hate crimes. We also ask that local law enforcement and communities around the country mobilize resources to protect our fellow Asian and Pacific Islander neighbors during this climate of hate, ignorance and intolerance.

BPLA has always expected a thorough investigation by the appropriate law enforcement authorities into all allegations of police misconduct no matter where the allegations are made or where they occur. When there are videos that clearly depict the misconduct, and we stress the word “clearly,” the timeline for arrest and prosecution diminishes significantly; claims of trying to avoid “a rush to justice” in the face of clear video evidence demonstrates a lack of understanding of the role of a prosecutor, is beyond disrespecting a life that was lost, and in fact, confirms in the minds of many, that those with the power to prosecute devalue certain individual’s lives.

The videos produced in the George Floyd death unambiguously depict officers complicit in using excessive force in the detention of Mr. Floyd at a minimum. Arrest and prosecution of those officers should not have been delayed. We are encouraged by the arrest of Officer Chauvin yesterday, but it goes without saying that justice requires that this investigation must continue to look at the actions, or inactions, of all of the officers present during Mr. Floyd’s detention.

We feel the same anger and frustration that those that are engaging in civil unrest feel but violence and destruction will not bring about substantive change in the criminal justice system. Only serious discussion and engagement can do that. Stay safe and be positive!