**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** April 26, 2008 COUNCILMEMBER BILL DE BLASIO ON SEAN BELL VERDICT City Hall - Councilmember de Blasio released this statement following the announcement of a verdict in the Sean Bell case. "I am deeply disturbed by the horrific tragedy that took the life of Sean Bell, a young innocent man and father of two. My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Bell's family and friends during this difficult time." "It's remarkable that these officers were not convicted of a single charge when it is clear that a grave error in their judgement resulted in the loss of an innocent man's life." "Today's verdict underscores the fact that we need to closely examine how we train all police officers, particularly plain clothes officers, when it comes to the use of deadly force. De Blasio concluded, "As a Council Member it is my job to do everything I can to ensure a tragedy like this one does not happen again. I will continue to work with community leaders and my colleagues to take the steps necessary to prevent another tragedy like this one." ###