The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio expresses its sincere sympathies to the family of Timothy Thomas, and to all those who have suffered through the tragic loss of his life. The outpouring of grief surrounding the latest death of an unarmed African American at the hands of police underscores a deep and pervasive problem with which the citizens, officials and police in Cincinnati must come to terms.
Justice demands no less.
The strife that has grown from the death of Timothy Thomas is a clear indication of the way in which racial profiling, over-policing, and a breakdown in communications between the police and the community can tear a city in two. Police practices which target people based on the color of their skin have no place in a free society. Under our system of government, the people have a sacred and inalienable right to voice their demand for justice through orderly and peaceful protest. Violence, looting and random acts of mayhem neither advance the cause of justice nor honor the memory of those whose death we mourn. We appeal to all the people of Cincinnati to remain calm and to exercise restraint and respect for the rights of others in the hours and days ahead.