Reaction to planned charges in Flint water crisis
FLINT, Mich - Former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, his health director, and other ex-officials have been told they're being charged after a new investigation of the Flint water scandal, which devastated the majority Black city with lead-contaminated water and was blamed for a deadly outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in 2014-15, The Associated Press has learned.
RELATED LINK: Michigan plans to charge ex-Gov. Snyder in Flint water probe
Statement from Mayor Sheldon Neeley regarding supposed new charges in the water lawsuit:
“These are the first steps in the final process to securing justice for our community. I commend Attorney General Dana Nessel and her team for their commitment to finding the truth and fully investigating all possible criminal activity. Our community has been through a tragedy it never should have faced, but Flint is strong and we will continue moving forward.”
Hear thoughts from former Flint Mayor Karen Weaver and Flint Water Activist Melissa Mays in the clip below:
Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha released a statement on the planned charges on her Twitter account:
Click here to look at all of our stories on the Flint water crisis.
State Sen. Jim Ananich released a response to reports of charges in the Flint water crisis:
“I am working to get more information and it is my understanding that the Flint water investigation is ongoing. While we do not yet know the full extent of the charges expected to be made, I have said from the beginning that justice requires even the most powerful be held accountable for what happened to the families of my city. No person, no politician, is above the law. I have every expectation that our attorney general and her team is pursuing every legal avenue to deliver justice for Flint.”
Congressman Dan Kildee released the following statement about the planned charges against former Governor Rick Snyder and others:
“What happened to the people of Flint is a terrible tragedy. Justice for Flint families comes in many forms, including holding state officials accountable for what they did to Flint. While I never prejudge the outcome of any criminal charges, I support the Flint water crisis investigation following the facts, wherever they may lead. No one is above the law.
“Justice for Flint also comes by making sure families have access to critical resources, like the Flint Registry and other health care, educational and nutritional services, that can help mitigate the effects of lead exposure. Flint families deserve our continued support and we owe it to other communities to learn the lessons of the water crisis so it never happens elsewhere.”
Joint Statement from Ted Leopold and Michael Pitt, Interim Court-appointed Co-lead Class Counsel for the Flint Litigation:
“The residents of Flint were victims of decisions by the State of Michigan that resulted in tragic and devastating consequences. While we can never undo the injustice that occurred to the victims of Flint and their community, those responsible—including Governor Snyder and those he appointed to oversee the needs of the Flint residents—should be held accountable for the devastation they caused. On behalf of our clients we give our assurances that we will continue to fight to make sure that a full measure of justice is obtained.”
Progress Michigan Executive Director Lonnie Scott released the following statement:
"It's about damn time. Justice for the people of Flint is long overdue."
Following the news of former Gov. Rick Snyder and other officials potentially facing charges surrounding the Flint Water Crisis, Attorney Ven Johnson is releasing the following statement:
“I congratulate Attorney General Dana Nessel for doing the right thing. The evidence has led directly to Snyder and for years civil attorneys have successfully sued for his misdeeds and cover up. It is great to see the criminal justice system is catching up and attempting to hold Snyder criminally responsible.”
