Statement on the shooting and killing of Alton Sterling

The U.S. Justice Department Civil Rights division announced today that it will investigate the killing of a black man pinned to the ground and shot in the chest by two white police officers outside a convenience store in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

At the Cincinnati Human Relations Commission, we are saddened and angered by the tragic events that happened last night that resulted in a lost life, a family's life impacted forever, and a local, regional & national community left still calling for a need for improved race relations and police & community relations.

When tragedies occur, like this, we mourn for and have empathy for all of those involved; but we also have a responsibility to ensure that the tragedy is not the end of the story. In the wake of this tragedy, and too many others across our nation, we encourage the community to work with agencies like CHRC & engage in dialogue that spurs action.

Since 1943, the Cincinnati Human Relations Commission has worked tirelessly to help our community to overcome prejudice and discrimination, build mutual respect and understanding, and to become more harmonious and cohesive. And, that work continues today.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/us-justice-dept-will-investigate-louisiana-police-shooting/ar-BBu0xss?ocid=ansmsnnews11