FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 7, 2021

MEDIA CONTACT
Da’Quan Love, Executive Director
804-972-3310
press@naacpva.org

Virginia NAACP Statement Following Meeting with Virginia Attorney General

RICHMOND – Today the Virginia NAACP announced a collaborative effort between the Virginia Attorney General and the Virginia State Conference NAACP to craft policy solutions that will address the Commonwealth’s response to shooting deaths involving police officers. This effort resulted from a meeting held Monday with Virginia NAACP leaders, Attorney General Mark Herring, and his staff.

“The Virginia NAACP urged the Attorney General to take a holistic approach to identify tangible solutions that address this growing problem here in the Commonwealth,” said Robert. N. Barnette, Jr., President of the Virginia NAACP. “Virginia must have a well-defined policy that ensures impartial investigation, transparency of facts, and reassures Virginians that justice will be served in fatal cases involving law enforcement officers.”

As a civil rights advocacy organization, the Virginia NAACP plans to remain focused on identifying long-term policy measures that its more than 100 branches can advocate for on the local and state government levels. In working with the Attorney General’s office, the Virginia NAACP hopes to bring state agencies and community leaders together to bring meaningful policy recommendations that lead to systemic change.

The meeting was convened at the request of the Virginia NAACP following the tragic shooting death of Xzavier Hill by a Virginia State Police officer. At the urging of the Virginia NAACP, Attorney General Herring committed to continue reviewing the authority his office has to investigate the matter. President Barnette indicated that the Virginia NAACP was continuing its own investigation saying, “We look forward to subsequent meetings with the Attorney General in the coming weeks.”

ABOUT THE VIRGINIA NAACP

Founded in 1935, the Virginia State Conference of NAACP Branches (Virginia NAACP) is the oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization in the Commonwealth, overseeing over 100 NAACP branches, youth councils, and college chapters. The Virginia NAACP is focused on being the preeminent voice of Black Virginians and advocating for policies and programs to benefit Blacks and people of color. You can read more about the Virginia NAACP’s work and our six “Game Changer” issue areas by visiting VSCNAACP.org.

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