Senator Scott Statement on the Video of the Death of Jamal Sutherland

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) released the following statement on the video of the death of Jamal Sutherland.

“My heart broke today watching Amy Sutherland being forced to relive the grief of losing her son Jamal. No mother should ever have to bury her child. No mother should fear that a mental illness is a death sentence for her child. No mother should have to watch a gut-wrenching video of her child calling out to God in his final moments. I pray that God grants the Sutherland family a peace that surpasses all understanding in the knowledge that Jamal is in His hands in heaven.  

“In the days ahead, I encourage those calling for justice and change to honor Ms. Sutherland’s request for peaceful demonstrations. South Carolinians have shown the world what grace, unity, and progress look like in the face of tragedy, and I have faith we can do it again.

“I also pray we honor Ms. Sutherland’s request for action. As we push forward in our enduring struggle for a more just country, it is clear that failure to act is not an option. We cannot accept the status quo at the expense of our humanity.”

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