Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. Requests an Official Investigation of the Grant Shooting

For Immediate Release

Contact: Brianna Smallwood

732-828-2009 (Office)

732-420-3745 (Cell)

bsmallwood@fbcsomerset.com

Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. Requests an Official Investigation of the Grant Shooting

SOMERSET, NJ – Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, is requesting an official investigation from the United States Department of Justice on the Diahlo Grant Case. Grant was a Franklin Township resident who was shot by Franklin Township Police Officers. The shooting took place in New Brunswick, New Jersey and the investigation was assigned to Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew Carey. A statement released from the Middlesex County Prosecutor Office stated all officers involved have been cleared of any allegations.

“I seek to maintain a healthy relationship between law enforcement and black citizens in the Franklin Township Community. To date, I’ve maintained a healthy and productive relationship with the Franklin Township Police Department, but even with high regards for the department, there is a need for this request,” said Dr. Soaries. “While there exists a relatively healthy relationship between black citizens and law enforcement in our community, it is impossible to ignore the significance of this incident in light of efforts to close gaps in understanding and respect between police personnel and African Americans throughout the nation. In order to maintain the confidence in law enforcement required for harmonious community living, it is critical that incidents such as the Grant shooting be investigated so thoroughly and impartially that the outcome of such investigations can withstand any level of public and legal scrutiny.”

Dr. Soaries has called on United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey, The Honorable Paul J. Fishman, to meet his request in hopes to gain conclusive answers to outstanding questions held by the family and community concerning this tragic incident.

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About First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens (FBCLG)

Founded in 1937, First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens is a vibrant community-focused, multi-cultural and historical African-American church rooted in Baptist doctrine and is located in the Somerset section of Franklin Township, NJ. The church's motto is "Faith in Action." FBCLG bears witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ for spiritual, educational, economic and community transformation. For more information, visit www.fbcsomerset.com.