Biden signs police reform executive order on George Floyd anniversary

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May 25, 2022

By Lauren Gambino, The Guardian

President Biden signs an executive order on police reform in the East Room of the White House. (Alex Brandon/AP)

President to take action regulating federal law enforcement agencies after failure of attempts to legislate

Joe Biden signed an executive order he promised would usher in the “most significant police reform in decades” on Wednesday, the second anniversary of the murder of George Floyd.

With Congress deadlocked, Biden said he was using the powers of the presidency to advance his campaign promises and deliver police accountability and reform “that is real and lasting.”

Biden was joined at the White House for a signing ceremony by Floyd’s family as well as relatives of Breonna Taylor, who was killed when police executed a no-knock warrant at her apartment in 2020. In remarks preceding the signing, Biden praised them for their efforts to push for change even as they grieve.

“It’s not about their death but what we do in their memory that matters,” he said.

The executive order signed on Wednesday directs federal agencies to revise use-of-force policies, banning tactics such as chokeholds, restricting practices like no-knock warrants and promoting de-escalation techniques.

Find out more about this executive order.

George Floyd’s family met with President Biden last year. Discover what else happened in the first year after Floyd’s murder.

If you’re interested in civil rights, our breaking news section has you covered.

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