Freshman House Democrat Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., criticized President Joe Biden on Twitter for plans to nominate former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel to be the next ambassador to Japan.
Bowman tweeted Wednesday:
"Black Lives Matter can't just be a slogan. It has to be reflected in our actions as a government, and as a people. Rewarding Rahm Emmanuel's cover up of Laquan McDonald's murder with an ambassadorship is not an act that reflects a value of or respect for Black lives."
Bowman does not have a say in who is confirmed; that is left to the Senate. But Bowman does have an influential voice in the liberal sphere.
Emanuel was mayor of Chicago in 2014 when a white police officer, Jason Van Dyke, shot the Black 17-year-old McDonald. The event captured on video sparked outrage. The officer was convicted in 2018 and convicted with second-degree murder and 16 counts of aggravated battery. He is sentenced to six years and nine months in prison.
Emanuel first rose to prominence for his role as Bill Clinton's top adviser. Emanuel followed up with a stint in the private sector before moving back to politics. Emanuel won an Illinois House seat in 2002. Six years later, he was chosen by Barack Obama to be his chief of staff. Emanuel followed up by winning two terms as Chicago mayor.
Bowman has said he would not elaborate on his statement, saying the statement "said it all," according to the Washington Examiner.