The sister of a Black man killed by Richmond police in 2018 has criticized state lawmakers and Gov. Ralph Northam for what she called a “watered down, ineffective” law that will dispatch mental health providers along with police to help stabilize people in crisis situations.
Princess Blanding’s remarks came Tuesday during a ceremonial signing of a new law named after Marcus-David Peters.
"I made a promise to my brother Marcus David Peters back in 2018," Blanding said during the event outside the governor's mansion. "And I will do everything in my power to make sure that I keep that promise and continue to fight to make sure that we put community care and safety first and always and to ensure that Black liberation matters."
The 24-year-old high school biology teacher was fatally shot by a police officer after he ran onto an interstate highway in rush hour traffic while experiencing a mental health crisis. The officer shot Peters after he charged at him while threatening to kill him.