As District Attorney of San Mateo County, I join the other District Attorneys in California in condemning the senseless death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. I extend condolences to the family of George Floyd and to the communities across this nation that are in mourning over Mr. Floyd’s death. As a society, we must bring an end to bigotry and racism in our country, and it is the solemn responsibility of all government leaders and every member of the criminal justice system to achieve this goal. The citizens of this country cannot rest until we bring an end to racial inequity and racism in our country. After 43 years as a prosecutor in San Mateo County, it saddens me that shocking events such as Mr. Floyd’s death and the violence that followed continue to occur. We will continue to collaborate with San Mateo County law enforcement agencies to train their officers to insure proper and lawful conduct by officers and to appropriately investigate any conduct that violates the law. Every member of the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office will resolutely continue to seek justice and fairness in our criminal justice system. To this end, I have signed the attached statement of the California District Attorneys Association issued this past weekend condemning racism and bigotry. I hope and pray the principles enunciated in this statement may soon be achieved.
Stephen M. Wagstaffe
District Attorney