Prince William Democratic Women’s Caucus Calls for PWCPD Accountability

Last week the PW Perspective reported on the arrest of protestors by Prince William County Police outside of the James J. McCoart Administrative Building in Woodbridge. Despite video evidence clearly showing that the actions of agitators created the altercation, PWCP have yet to issue any statement of an error in their judgment. Earlier today, the Prince William Democratic Women’s Caucus issued their own statement in regards to the situation:

“The Prince William County Democratic Women’s Caucus is issuing a statement to call to light the actions of the Prince William County Police Department in their handling of the incidents at the McCoart Building on Tuesday, July 14, 2020. In addition to our assertion that the PWCPD mishandled the peaceful protest and
denied individual’s First Amendment Rights, we insist that all unjust charges are immediately and fully dismissed against
the young, peaceful protesters. We further demand that those who wish to press charges against the agitators have their
rights upheld to do so.

We call on the Board of County Supervisors and the Commonwealth Attorney to pursue a full and independent
investigation into the actions that occurred on the date in question and that all findings must be made public. We ask
that those involved must be held accountable. We expect both the PWCPD and the County Executive to be scrutinized.

This is a critical step in the pursuit of justice and equality. Lastly, we ask that the Prince William County Human Rights
Commission look into any violations that may have occurred during the arrest of four young adults at the McCoart
Building. As a coalition of women in this county we have seen our community perpetuate a bias against Black and Brown
communities and we are here to rally for justice at all levels.

Chairwoman Katelyn O. Page said, “I have heard from many women in our community who have felt powerless
against police discrimination and who feel targeted because of their Black and Brown skin. We have a platform at the
PWC Democratic Women’s Caucus and we firmly believe that police injustice is a women’s issue.”

The incident at the McCoart Building highlights the systemic racism and patriarchy that our county continues to elevate.

As the Women’s Caucus, we are calling for our elected officials, community leaders, activists, and business owners to
uplift the many women and minorities who have been affected by police brutality and injustice.

The PWC Democratic Women’s Caucus demands that our representation on all levels of government ensure our civil
rights regardless of gender identity, race, ethnicity, age, beliefs, or religion. It is our collective obligation to press forward
so that future generations see us as trailblazers in the continued pursuit for a safer and rational future.

These actions on their own are not the full solution. We all must work with other leaders in the community to continue
to amplify the voices of women in our lives. ”

As of press time there has been no response from the PWCPD.

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