Scott: Due To Inaction by the Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney, DOJ Must Investigate Police Killing of Donovon Lynch

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland reiterating his earlier demand for a federal investigation into the police conduct and killing of Donovon Lynch. This letter follows the decision by the Virginia Beach Commonwealth's Attorney's announcement yesterday that the police officer responsible for fatally shooting Mr. Lynch would not face criminal charges.

"The Commonwealth's Attorney for Virginia Beach announced yesterday that he will not file criminal charges against the officer involved in the fatal shooting leaving many questions unanswered about what occurred that evening," wrote Congressman Scott. "I remain concerned with public reports of how this matter has been handled by VBPD, the divergent accounts of the events leading to Mr. Lynch's death, and to what occurred immediately after the shooting. I urge you to move swiftly to utilize the full resources and transparency of the U.S. Department of Justice to conduct an investigation."

This letter is a follow-up to a request Congressman Scott made in April to Attorney General Garland.

Full text of the letter can be found HEREand below.

The Honorable Merrick Garland

Attorney General

U.S. Department of Justice

950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20530

Dear Attorney General Garland,

I am writing to follow up on my April 14, 2021 letter requesting a federal investigation into the March 26, 2021 killing of Mr. Donovon Lynch by an officer of the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD). Your response to my letter stated that you were aware of the incident and were monitoring the state investigation.

The Commonwealth's Attorney for Virginia Beach announced yesterday that he will not file criminal charges against the officer involved in the fatal shooting leaving many questions unanswered about what occurred that evening. I remain concerned with public reports of how this matter has been handled by VBPD, the divergent accounts of the events leading to Mr. Lynch's death, and to what occurred immediately after the shooting. I urge you to move swiftly to utilize the full resources and transparency of the U.S. Department of Justice to conduct an investigation.

This incident is part of an alarming series of interactions between law enforcement and individuals of color. It is, therefore, imperative that your department open a federal criminal and civil rights investigations into the death of Mr. Lynch. The residents of Hampton Roads deserve transparency, accountability, and confidence in the investigation of this death.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.

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