New York, NY – On November 22, 2017, the New York State Appeals Court heard the Progressive Caucus’ amicus brief supporting plaintiff, Constance Malcolm in her case against the NYPD and the department’s concealment of records related to the death of Malcolm’s son. In 2012, unarmed 18-year-old Ramarley Graham was shot and killed in front of his grandmother and 6-year-old brother by NYPD Officer Richard Haste. Graham’s family has been seeking justice and transparency for his death for the last five years. The Caucus has been by the family’s side at numerous rallies and has called for greater transparency and accountability from the NYPD.
In August of 2017, the Progressive Caucus filed a legal amicus brief supporting the Graham family in their continual challenges to the NYPD’s denial of information. The Progressive Caucus’ brief argues that NYPD’s failure to release pertinent information related to the death of Ramarley Graham undermines the police department’s credibility and jeopardizes the public’s trust. The Progressive Caucus is committed to issues of police accountability and transparency, and building stronger relationships between the police and the communities that they serve. We hope the court considers the precedent that will be set by this case for the future of ongoing efforts to rebuild public trust in the NYPD, and will continue to call on the NYPD to release information regarding Ramarley Graham’s death.