Statement of Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. regarding Justice Department Review of Diahlo Grant Death

Today, I acknowledge receipt of the determination by an independent review, ordered by U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman, that “federal civil rights charges against the police officers involved in the incident are not warranted.”

Having great respect for U.S. Attorney Fishman and confidence in his leadership, I am satisfied that the police fatal shooting of Diahlo Grant in New Brunswick April 9, 2016 has been reviewed properly, up to the highest offices of law enforcement in this land. We requested this independent review so that the Grant family and our community would have no doubt that appropriate law enforcement procedures were used without civil rights violations. I am satisfied that U.S. Attorney Fishman’s office was involved in this matter quickly and acted forthrightly to protect the civil rights of not only Diahlo Grant but of all New Jersey residents.

The level of scrutiny involved in this case should help bring closure to outstanding concerns about this matter even while we continue our critical dialogue about the gaps in understanding and respect between police personnel and African Americans throughout our nation. While we, in Franklin Township, have enjoyed a relatively healthy relationship between black citizens and the local police we must continue to acknowledge the tragic loss of yet another young black man’s life and use this experience to end the circumstances that allowed this to happen.

###

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.