Crow Statement on Anniversary of Elijah McClain’s Death

Below please find a statement from Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06) reflecting on the death of Elijah McClain. Tomorrow, August 24 marks one year since Elijah was taken into police custody. He died days later at the age of 23.

"A year ago, a member of our community, Elijah McClain, died in police custody. To lose a young life is always a tragedy, no matter the circumstances, but how we lost Elijah makes it more than a tragedy, it is an injustice. Our community will never be the same, nor should it be. Because the fact is, we failed him. That failure is something that we must reckon with.

"The question now, one year later, is how can we bring some solace to those who loved and cared for Elijah. There are no easy answers, but one thing is clear: we must work to reform the broken system that has allowed racial injustice, police brutality, and widespread inequality to go unchecked for far too long. We must also continue to lift up and tell the story of Elijah's life, because he was far more than his death and dying words. He was a young man who loved animals and helping others, a man who played the violin and was sensitive to the emotions and needs of those around him. Today and in the future, I hope we continue to recognize the man behind the name, Elijah McClain."