Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz Condemns Killing of Unarmed Man

Press Release

July 29, 2010

For Immediate Release

Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz Condemns Killing of Unarmed Man

July 29 (Albany, NY) State Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz. today condemned the killing of Defarra Gaymon,  in Branch Brook Park, Newark, New Jersey on July 21. Mr. Gaymon was unarmed when he was shot by an Essex County sheriff's detective.

“First, I want to send my condolences to Mr. Gaymon’s wife, four children and other family members on the sudden, tragic and unnecessary death of their loved-one,” said Senator Díaz.

“Second,” continued Senator Díaz, “I must, in no uncertain terms, condemn the killing of an innocent and unarmed man.”

According to published news reports, Mr. Gaymon had not committed, nor was he in the process of committing any type of serious felony. Most importantly, he was not armed. No one has spoken out against this horror except former New York City Mayor Ed Koch.

“I concur wholeheartedly with Mayor Koch that ‘...one need not have been there to feel that this tragedy could have been avoided...’.  I want to thank Mayor Koch for having the courage and determination to speak out against this killing,” commented Senator Díaz.

“I am calling on United States Attorney General Eric Holder to intervene in this case because I do not believe that the local and state law enforcement officials will be able to investigate this case impartially. What is next - shooting unarmed kids who shop lift,?” concluded Senator Díaz.

###