Federal officials have received a letter from two Democratic lawmakers demanding a thorough, transparent, and comprehensive federal investigation into every hanging death of a Black individual across the United States. The request, led by Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) and co-signed by Rep. Shontel Brown (D-Ohio), follows recent high-profile cases and public statements linking the incidents to historical patterns of racial violence.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) has described the deaths as "racial terror" and compared them to "widespread modern-day lynchings." The letter, addressed to the U.S. Department of Justice, calls for federal oversight to address what the lawmakers describe as an "alarming increase" in such cases.
Key Developments in Investigations
Authorities in Cobb County, Georgia, concluded that the March 2025 death of a 21-year-old man found hanging from a tree was a suicide, with no foul play suspected. Similarly, police in Charlotte, North Carolina, ruled the May 2025 death of a 16-year-old as a suicide, and the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Department determined the June 2025 death of a 27-year-old was also a suicide. At least three additional cases have been classified as suicides by local authorities.
One case remains under investigation, while the 2024 death of Tasia Fortune, found hanging in Georgia, is being treated as a homicide. A suspect, Jarques Ratliff, has been identified in that case.
Lawmakers Cite Historical Context
Rep. Brown stated on X (formerly Twitter) that there has been an "alarm[ing] increase in Black Americans found dead hanging from trees" in the past year, adding, "We know what that has meant throughout our history." The lawmakers’ letter to the DOJ argues that the pattern warrants federal scrutiny to determine whether racial bias or historical violence may be influencing these cases.
Federal Response Pending
The DOJ has not yet publicly confirmed whether it will open a formal investigation. A spokesperson for the department declined to comment on the letter, stating that the matter is under review.
Background on Recent Cases
- Cobb County, Georgia (March 2025): 21-year-old man found hanging; ruled a suicide.
- Charlotte, North Carolina (May 2025): 16-year-old found hanging; ruled a suicide.
- Miami-Dade, Florida (June 2025): 27-year-old found hanging; ruled a suicide.
- Tasia Fortune (2024, Georgia): Hanging death classified as homicide; suspect identified.
Suicide Prevention Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).