RICHARD J. DURBIN ILLINOIS ASSISTANT DEMOCRATIC LEADER The Honorable Loretta Lynch Attorney General U.S.Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania A venue, NW Washington, D.C.20530 Dear Attorney General Lynch: tinitcd mashmgton, Bt.t 2051o-1;o-t July24,2015 COMMITTEEON APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE ON RULES AND ADMINISTRATION I urge the Department of Justice to open an investigationintothe arrest,incarceration, and death of Sandra Bland, a constituent of mine from Naperville, Illinois. As you know, Ms. Bland was arrested in Waller County, Texas on July10.Disturbing video ofthe arrest shows how the situation quickly escalated after Ms. Bland was pulled over by a police officer for allegedly failing to properly signal during a lane change.When Ms. Bland refused toput out a cigarette at the officer's request, the officer ordered her to get out of her car, attempted to physically remove her fromthe vehicle, and then threatened her with his Taser. After Ms.Bland exited her car, she can be heard in video footage stating off-camera that the officer "slammed" her and "knocked[her]head in the ground. "Ms.Bland was arrested and charged with assault on a public servant. Three days later, Ms. Bland was found dead in her jail cell.Texas officials have said that the autopsy results show injuries consistent with suicide. Reports indicate that her family is currently awaiting the results of a second,independent autopsy. Already,the Texas Department of Public Safety has stated that they "identified violations of the department's procedures" in a preliminary review of the traffic stop. Furthermore, theExecutive Director of the Texas Commission on JailStandards has found the Waller County jail to be non-compliant with certainminimum jail standards for the state. Ms. Bland's family, her community, and all of those troubled by the disturbing series of events inthis case deserve answers. Inlight of the many concerns regarding Ms. Bland's arrest and incarceration, and the uncertainty surrounding Ms.Bland' s tragic death, I urge the Department of Justice to fully and thoroughlyinvestigate this case. Thank you for your time and consideration.I look forward to a prompt response. 711HART Sf.NA TE 01 FICE BUILDING WASH'NGTONDC 20b1G1304 12011 21!>2 VRS202) Sincerely, 730 SOUTH DEARBORN38THCHIC'.AtlO. ll 60004 1312J353-.C9S2 Richard J.Durbin U.S. Senator 575 SOUTH EIGHTH STRE1 SPRINGIIELO,ll to2703 2111492--0 CARBONOAL. 1L 62901 6183!111122