Richmond, VA — The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus (VLBC) strongly condemns the suspiciously timed and seemingly retaliatory actions by the Portsmouth Police against Senator Louise Lucas (D-18th, Portsmouth), a VLBC Member and President Pro Tempore of the Virginia State Senate.
On June 24, 2020, the VLBC released its Special Session Priorities, with a strong focus on policing reform and holding law enforcement accountable. Tomorrow will mark the first day of this Special Session, where Sen. Lucas will patron some of these key measures.
Yet today the Portsmouth Police Department announced that it was filing charges against Sen. Lucas, a long-standing public servant who has dedicated her life to public service and the people of this Commonwealth. This timely, suspiciously retaliatory attack on the first Black person and Woman to serve as President Pro Tempore of the Virginia State Senate is unacceptable.
“I believe during the incident in question, Sen. Lucas stood up for protestors,” said Chairman Lamont Bagby (D-74th, Henrico). “We are confident that justice will be served and that she will be exonerated of these charges. She was there fighting for justice. These charges against her are simply outrageous.”
Adding to the suspicious nature of these charges is the fact that Sen. Lucas plans to patron a bill this Special Session that will strengthen the ability to independently investigate police departments statewide.
The VLBC strongly stands by Sen. Lucas and expresses its full support for her and her long-standing leadership.
These attacks will not prosper. To quote Senator Lucas: Not this time.