Threats of civil disobedience increase in New York City!

Congressman joins growing group of public officials protesting Sean Bell verdict

NEW YORK - April 28, 2008 - Shockwaves from the Sean Bell verdict which reverberated throughout New York City this weekend are now rolling across the country, and Congress has taken notice.

Congressman John Conyers, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, was scheduled to travel to Queens on Monday to meet with Bell's family. He is joining a growing number of voices calling for massive demonstrations of civil disobedience to protest Friday's verdict, and a federal investigation into the case.

"I'm talking with the Attorney General of the United States. The Judiciary Committee plans its own hearings and we're going to struggle to end all police brutality anywhere!" Conyers said.

Conyers, a Michigan Democrat and chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, also planned to visit the location near Club Kalua in Jamaica, Queens where Bell was killed; the same location where Bell's father is still fuming over a judge's decision to clear three NYPD detectives who fired 50 shots at Bell and two of his friends.

"I promised him that. He's got to get justice. I mean that," said William Bell.