Rep. Brent issues statement on Tamir Rice's birthday

State Rep. Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland) issued a statement today on what would have been Tamir Rice’s 19th birthday. Tamir Rice was just 12 years old when he was killed in Cleveland, Ohio in 2014 by a white police officer.

“The system has not changed to protect Tamir, who should be turning 19 today, or other young Black boys like him,” said Rep. Brent. “Real support for our children requires us to do real work.”

“I have co-sponsored bills dealing with the implementation of an excessive force database, cultural competency, and de-escalation training. Not one has received a single committee hearing. This is a disgrace to our communities that the Ohio House is said to represent and serve. To really honor the life of Tamir Rice, the system must change, and it must change now.”