The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“VIOLATION OF CIVIL RIGHTS OF MR. DIALLO” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H580 on March 1, 2000.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
VIOLATION OF CIVIL RIGHTS OF MR. DIALLO
(Mr. MEEKS of New York asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)
Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speaker, there is an open wound in New York this morning. That wound was caused by a decision that sends a message that the police can fire 41 bullets at an unarmed man of color as he enters his own home.
A healing of this wound could only happen if the Justice Department conducts a thorough investigation of the violation of Mr. Diallo's civil rights.
In addition, they must relentlessly evaluate and find just solutions to the patterns and practices of the New York City Police Department since, clearly, the city's leadership and its mayor and police chief find the police conduct to be okay.
If New York City is to heal, the message must be said that all human life, no matter what race, creed or color, is valuable.
Mr. Speaker, the Justice Department is the only doctor available today that can help us heal the wound in the City of New York. To the City of New York, I say, we are the second chapter to that. We must arm ourselves with the ballot and make sure that we send our message loudly and clearly in November.
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