Statement by the California Legislative LGBT Caucus on Death of Second Black Man in Ed Buck’s Home

Today, the California Legislative Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Caucus issued the following statement regarding the death of a second man in the home of Ed Buck:

“We are deeply disturbed about the death of yet another black man in the home of Ed Buck, apparently of a drug overdose. What happened in Mr. Buck’s home isn’t normal, nor should we ever accept it as normal. Rather, what happened is beyond troubling. It isn’t credible to assert that these deaths are random or a coincidence.

“We are aware that an investigation is ongoing regarding the man who died in Mr. Buck’s home - the second black man who has died in Mr. Buck’s home in the last 18 months. We ask that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office conduct the most thorough investigation possible and that they provide full transparency to our community about the investigation.

“The lives of our community members have value. Black LGBT people are particularly at risk for marginalization and victimization. We all need to step up and give them the support they need. And, we all need to speak out when members of our community are being victimized.”