Booker: ‘Sobered up’ about comprehensive police reform, but something can be done

Pressed by host Margaret Brennan about talks with Sen. Tim Scott (RS.C.), a Republican leader on the issue, Booker said the couple haven’t stopped talking.

“The reality is, we’re two black men in America,” Booker said of Scott. “We’ve had some truly horrific experiences with law enforcement that law enforcement officials say are unfair.”

Booker also said he spoke to the senator. Lindsey Graham (RS.C.) on qualified immunity – the doctrine that shields law enforcement officers from liability in many cases. This issue has been a sticking point in past negotiations.

“He’s someone who agrees with me that there’s common sense here,” Booker said of Graham, speaking on CBS. “You can’t have accountability without consequences when things go wrong.”

Graham last week expressed interest in a compromise on qualified immunity.

Following Nichols’ death, President Joe Biden met with members of the Congressional Black Caucus last week to discuss reform.

Nichols’ parents are expected to attend Biden’s State of the Union address this week. They called for passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a reform bill that passed the House in 2021.