DNC National Press Secretary Brandon Gassaway released the following statement in response to Atlantic Judicial Circuit District Attorney Tom Durden’s announcement that Ahmaud Arbery’s case would be presented to a grand jury:

“Ahmaud Arbery was murdered in cold blood. This case is a chilling reminder that for Black men and boys in America, going for a run, playing with toys in a park, walking to the store for Skittles, or even sitting in your own home eating ice cream means taking your life in your hands. Despite it being two months since this brutal act took place and it being captured on video, there has yet to be so much as a charge leveled against the perpetrators. A clear message from prosecutors that Ahmaud’s life and the lives of those who look like him hold no value.

“The deep pain from witnessing this carnage is unrelenting but not unfamiliar. What we’ve also come to expect is the callous silence from this Justice Department and this administration when Black men and boys senselessly lose their lives at the hands of law enforcement or vigilantes. This inaction at the highest level of government gives license for this type of slaughter to continue and emboldens the racist mentality that puts our lives at risk. We should not have to live in fear because our government is indifferent to whether we live or die.

“The DNC joins the Arbery family, the people of Georgia, and Vice President Biden in demanding accountability for this lynching. There must be a full and transparent investigation as soon as possible to reveal the facts of this case, and those responsible must be swiftly brought to justice.”