Assemblymember Gipson Statement on the Death of Former Staffer Eric Washington

CARSON, Calif. - Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson) issued the following statement:

"On the 4th of July, during a night when Californians were celebrating, Eric Washington attended a community block party in the City of Compton. It was at that party in Compton where Eric was tragically shot and killed along with a 19-year-old young woman. Eric was tragically ripped from our lives by a coward who chose to brandish a gun during a community event where children and families gathered," said Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson).

"During his time working for me, Eric was a talented communicator, community organizer, and enterprising thinker who worked as a representative serving the 64th District of the State of California. Serving families with grace and pride was fitting work for a son of South Los Angeles and Compton - a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity - and an incredible protégé and friend. He was extraordinarily talented, a passionate and focused man who loved the community, gave his heart and soul for the people, and put them first. I am grieving - devastated by the loss and murder of this great young person. He tried everything possible to save Black and Brown boys in our community, especially against gun violence, and I am dismayed that what he fought against took his life."

"While the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department is working hard to identify and apprehend a suspect in this case, the person who they believe murdered Eric Washington and a young woman while in Compton, I do understand that Eric was attempting to deescalate a conflict during the holiday block party with children and families. It is no surprise that during the moment of this terrible act, Eric was trying to save a community by preventing a situation that would have taken lives. This bravery cost him his own life."

"His friends and colleagues in local government mourn him while appreciating the powerful good that he did for those in need. His loss was felt at Compton College, the University of North Texas, and Grambling State University, institutions that he attended. Since his death, I have received other calls - from the mayors of the City of Compton and the City of Los Angeles as well as from those who served in the Legislature with me, like current County Supervisor Holly Mitchell - to discuss this extraordinarily bright young voice in the community."

"As a staffer for former Councilmember Joe Buscaino and pivotal part of the Watts Rising initiative along with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), Eric was just getting started at his God-given tasks for this world. Every man we lose before his time hurts in a raw way, but hearing that Eric has become a gun violence victim is extraordinarily difficult to bear. Please join me and my community in praying for the Washington family, and let's ask for justice to be swift in the wake of a tragedy.

Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson proudly represents the 65th Assembly District, which includes the cities and communities of Watts, Willowbrook, Compton, Carson, North Long Beach, Harbor Gateway North & South, Harbor City, Wilmington, and San Pedro.