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TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW UPON THE PASSING OF JAMAL SUTHERLAND, CONDEMN THE BEHAVIOR THAT LED TO HIS UNTIMELY PASSING, AND TO CONVEY THE HOPE OF THE HOUSE THAT JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED FOR JAMAL.
Whereas, Jamal Sutherland passed away while in police custody at the Al Cannon Detention Center after being booked in twelve hours earlier for simple assault on January 5, 2021; and
Whereas, despite suffering from bipolar schizophrenia, he was taken to jail rather than a mental health facility. While many questions remain for his family about what happened that night, they do know that he was tased; and
Whereas, the loss of life is always tragic, but the death of a person while in the custody of law enforcement shocks the conscience. The House of Representatives condemns the use of excessive force that led to his untimely passing and urges the enactment of new policies to prevent any future incidents regarding people with mental illnesses; and
Whereas, Jamal's mother has expressed that the mentally ill need further protections, including contacting parents when a mentally ill person cannot speak for himself. While the investigation is ongoing, the House hopes that this experience can lead to policy changes that will provide true and lasting justice for Jamal. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express profound sorrow upon the passing of Jamal Sutherland, condemn the behavior that led to his untimely passing, and convey the hope of the House that justice will be served for Jamal.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Jamal Sutherland.
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