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Press Statement March 19, 2024

NAACP Urges DOJ to Investigate Police Killing of Unarmed Black Man in Pittsburgh

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 19, 2024

Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org 

WASHINGTON – Last week, the nation's preeminent civil rights organization, the NAACP, sent a letter to Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, calling for the U.S. Department of Justice to begin an immediate investigation into the death of Jim Rogers, a 54-year-old Black man who died at the hands of the Pittsburgh Police Department in October 2021.

Janette McCarthy Wallace, General Counsel of the NAACP shared the following statement:

"Jim Rogers deserved better, and Black America deserves better. But the sad reality is, our communities continue to endure pain and suffering at the hands of those tasked with serving, and protecting us. We have seen the photographs, watched the videos, and heard the stories. One thing remains clear - progress cannot exist without accountability. The NAACP urges the Department of Justice to complete a thorough investigation into those responsible for the death of Jim Rogers. We will not stop fighting for a future where Black America is liberated from the chokehold of injustice."

Excerpts from the letter include:

  • "The NAACP, the oldest and largest civil rights organization in the country, calls on the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the death of Jim Rogers…"
  • "The police told Mr. Rogers that medics were coming to the scene. However, medics never arrived."
  • "According to the city attorney, the police officers caused the death of Mr. Rogers."
  • "Without federal intervention, the police officers will not be held accountable for their actions."

The incident, which was captured on video, shows that, despite being unarmed, Mr. Rogers was tased ten times by law enforcement. Despite this evidence, there have been no criminal charges filed against the officers involved and the four officers have been reinstated to their positions.

The NAACP continues to seek justice and accountability in the wrongful deaths of Black Americans at the hands of law enforcement and hope the Department of Justice will intervene and conduct a thorough investigation to bring those involved to justice. For more information on our fight against police brutality, visit our website.

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About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.