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On Day of Funeral, McCollum Extends Condolences to Philando Castile’s Loved Ones

July 14, 2016

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement ahead of Philando Castile’s funeral today. Congresswoman McCollum is unable to attend the funeral due to her responsibilities managing the FY2017 Interior-Environment appropriations bill on the House floor today.

“Family, friends, and mourners from across Minnesota and the nation will gather today at St. Paul’s Cathedral to remember the life of Mr. Philando Castile. I want to again extend my heartfelt condolences to Mr. Castile’s loved ones. My Congressional responsibilities require me to be in Washington today, but I too will say a prayer asking for peace and healing for Mr. Castile’s family and for our entire community.

Mr. Castile’s death is a terrible tragedy and the ongoing investigation must provide Mr. Castile’s family and the public with the facts and accountability appropriate to those facts. It is my hope that the facts will also lead to public policy action that prevents tragedies like this from happening in the future. Mr. Castile’s death raised serious questions that have reverberated across the United States, and it is clear that we have work to do together in Minnesota both to address racial disparities and to heal the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.”