Aurora Assault, Officer's Criminal Past, Underscore Urgency For George Floyd Justice In Policing Act

By National Urban League
Published11 PM EDT, Sat Apr 26, 2025

AURORA ASSAULT, OFFICER’S CRIMINAL PAST, UNDERSCORE URGENCY FOR GEORGE FLOYD JUSTICE IN POLICING ACT

NEW YORK (July 29, 2021) – The brutal assault of an unarmed Black man at the hands of Aurora, Colorado, police – one of whom has a prior firearms arrest – has underscored the urgency for a robust George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said today.

“No reasonable person could look at the facts of this case and this department’s record conclude that our justice system is functioning properly,” Morial said. “Congress has failed to adequately respond to the cries for justice and reform that led millions to march in the streets after the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and too many others.” 

Officer John Haubert, who can be seen on video holding a gun to Kyle Vinson’s head, pistol-whipping him at least seven times, was hired despite  a prior arrest for pointing a shotgun at his roommate while drinking.  The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act would create nationwide standards for hiring and training of police officers.

The bill incorporates many of the measures that the National Urban League has laid out in its public safety plan, 21 Pillars for Redefining Public Safety and Restoring Community Trust.  Among the provisions are:

  • Sweeping revisions to use of force and police hiring standards;
  • A ban on chokeholds and other acts of excessive force by law enforcement; 
  • Accountability for police who commit acts of brutality; 
  • A national body camera standard. 

Morial noted that less than two years ago, 23-year-old Elijah McClain died after Aurora police put him in a neck-hold and paramedics injected him with ketamine after he was stopped while walking home from a convenience store.

“How long must we wait for Congress to do its job?” Morial asked. “How long will they allow a minority view in Congress and in law enforcement to stand in the way of reform that would benefit both the community —especially communities of color, who have been disproportionately impacted by police misconduct— and the majority of law enforcement— law abiding officers who simply want to serve the public with distinction.

“Americans deserve meaningful legislation that holds police accountable, establishes high standards for the profession and restores the public’s trust in law enforcement. It is imperative that Congress finish its negotiations and pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.” 

The National Urban League movement will continue to monitor developments in Aurora, Morial said.  

“We pray for Mr. Vinson’s full recovery, and continue to demand accountability and transparency by the police department as the investigation continues,” he said.