FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 17, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT

Maria Lee, Media and Communications, maria.lee@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-2054

Statement by Council Member Kiara Daniels Regarding

Final Administrative Decisions on Three Tacoma Officers

“I want to ensure we use this moment following the final administrative decision on the three Tacoma officers to reflect on how the death of Manuel Ellis has shined a light on deep-rooted challenges our community faces. As a city, we must not continue to shy away from the difficult conversations we need to have to move forward.

I also want to share how the lack of effective policies have impacted me personally as a Black leader in this city. I have been questioning so many fundamentals about our society to try to understand why Black and Brown people continue to experience so much harm. I want to understand why our city and country have allowed violence against its own people and why – 60 years after the civil rights movement – we need to continue to advocate for basic rights.

I want to know why we must bargain for the right to live. I am also disturbed by efforts to rationalize and sensationalize Black death. I want to tell our community that I hear their calls for change, and I am committed to advocating for reform. I know that, together, we can build a city we are all proud of.”

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