U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch weighed in on the circumstances surrounding the death of Sandra Bland in a Waller County, Texas jail cell, after being arrested following a traffic stop.
The recently released dash-cam video of Bland interacting with the policer officer who antagonized her and subsequently slammed her head onto the ground is an important example of why many African-Americans fear and distrust the police.
“It highlights the concern of many in the black community that a routine stop for many members of the black community is not handled with the same professionalism and courtesy that other people may get from the police,” Lync told ABC News’ Pierre Thomas.
“Many people see this situation escalating, and I think it shows the frustration that many minority communities feel when they feel that, you know, maybe it wouldn’t have escalated in a different community,” Lynch said. “I hope that that can bring this situation to light as well, so that people understand the frustration that many minority members feel when they’re stopped by the police.”
As the first black woman to hold the post of U.S. Attorney General, Lynch has brought federal charges and launched investigations in both the death of Freddie Gray and the Charleston Massacre.
This is the first time that Lynch has commented on Sandra Bland, since her death on July 13, 2015.
Soon after news of Bland’s jailhouse suicide and ill treatment by a police officer began to circulate, supporters launched a petition urging Lynch to investigate into the death of Bland, as well as the Waller County Police Department.
Lynch’s interview airs on ABC this evening. Check your local listings.