New York City, NY – Hon. Roy Innis, National Chairman of CORE, applauded the jury’s guilty verdict in the trial of KKK Leader Edgar Ray Killen.  Killen was arrested on January 6, 2005, for the murders of three CORE workers James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner, who were participating in a voter registration project called "Freedom Summer".

“It’s abhorrently unfortunate that the lives of three innocent young men were cut short due to the blatant bigotry of this man.  It’s unfortunate that it has taken 41 years to formally bring charges for this heinous crime, however, this is truly a good day for the people of Mississippi and for all Americans”, said Innis.

“I’m elated but a little disappointed that a mostly white jury delivered a manslaughter verdict the day after a deadlock decision.  I truly hope the Judge will give Killen the maximum penalty allowed", said Innis.

Innis also said that the media should identify the three men properly. "They were field workers for the Congress of Racial Equality yet the media has described them as just three civil rights workers.  I think it’s high time the media grants them there proper identification”, said Innis.