NEW YORK — Rep. Jamaal Bowman released the following statement Sunday after the City of Mount Vernon and the Westchester County District Attorney called for the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the Mount Vernon Police Department for civil rights violations:

“The City of Mount Vernon, the Westchester County District Attorney, and whistleblowers within the Mount Vernon Police Department have my full support in this important step toward accountability. I strongly urge Attorney General Merrick Garland and the U.S. Department of Justice to heed the call for an investigation into the Mount Vernon Police Department.

“I commend Mayor Patterson-Howard and District Attorney Rocah on their swift action to make this issue a priority. It is my sincere hope that a DOJ investigation leads to accountability. Under Mayor Patterson-Howard’s leadership, our community can make meaningful strides toward necessary systemic and cultural change.”

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