Rep. Bass Statement Following First Reported COVID-19 Related Death of Federally Incarcerated Individual

March 29, 2020

Press Release

LOS ANGELES - Today, Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.) issued the following statement after reports emerged that an individual held in federal prison died after being infected by the COVID-19 coronavirus.

"This should be a wake up call. Failing to take drastic measures to combat the spread of this disease in prison will result in a magnified impact on all of society.

"Every single person in federal prison - employees and incarcerated individuals - should be tested immediately. Those who test positive should be isolated and treated. Those who test negative and are elderly folks, pregnant women, or children who are not convicted of violent crimes should be released in a secure manner. Resources should be given to organizations that work with the formerly incarcerated to ensure these individuals actually have a place to go so that we are not increasing the homeless population. Those who are in jail because they can not afford bail and are not a flight risk should be released from prison as well.

"Having people confined in close quarters becomes a breeding ground for the virus. We must do everything we can to combat this spread."

Further Action:

Issues:

The COVID-19 Digital Resource Guide, Criminal Justice