Statement by FCDC Black Caucus on the FCPD Shooting Death

May 5, 2021

“Sadly, police brutality against the Black community has been an ever-present circumstance since its origin to preserve the system of slavery...The uprising spreading across this country is fueled by systemic racial issues that have been ingrained in the fabric of this nation for decades.” Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP.

Amidst the backdrop of the George Floyd protests and social unrest, in November of 2020, the Fairfax County Democratic Committee (FCDC) voted for the formal organization of a Black Caucus. It was formed in response to a call for action to increase the political engagement of Black voters and have their voices heard in an effort to bring greater racial equity to the governing systems of Fairfax County. 

Today, the Fairfax Democratic Black Caucus joins the NAACP and voices its concerns regarding the candidate background and selection process leading to installing Kevin Davis as Fairfax County Chief of Police. We join in the call to conduct a new, more transparent search in greater collaboration with the County’s Chief Equity Officer, Karla Bruce, and with feedback from community stakeholders - particularly those who represent communities most adversely impacted. We echo the concerns regarding what factors the Board of Supervisors took into consideration, the extent to which the Board-appointed Police Civilian Review Panel and One Fairfax policy were consulted,  and with the overall lack of transparency in the selection process. We look forward to working in partnership with the Board of Supervisors, elected and appointed community advocates, and the community at large, to conduct a new search.

Kelly Hebron, Chair

Fairfax Democratic Black Caucus