Contact: Brianna Smallwood, First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, 908-420-3745

SOMERSET, N.J., April 9, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens (FBCLG) in Somerset, New Jersey, takes immediate action to address the recent police shooting of 27-year-old Diahlo Grant of Somerset, New Jersey. The shooting, which took place Saturday, April 9, 2016, at approximately 1:30 a.m., involved Grant and two Franklin Township police officers. Grant was taken to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 3:00 a.m.

In an effort to become fully aware of the details surrounding the situation, Dr. Soaries is in contact with Chief Larry Roberts of Franklin Township and Prosecutor Andrew Carey of Middlesex County.

"All across America, concerned leaders and citizens have been questioning the interactions between law enforcement officials and black citizens that too often result in the deaths of the black citizens," said Dr. Soaries. "In light of this national concern and on behalf of our local community, I will be speaking with Chief Roberts and Prosecutor Carey today about the tragic shooting that occurred in Franklin Township early this morning. We look forward to hearing all of the facts of this case and pray for the families of the victim and the officers involved. We will also monitor the investigation to ensure that justice prevails for all involved and affected parties."

Dr. Soaries will actively monitor the investigation and he encourages the community to be of support to the family during this most difficult time.
 
About First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens (FBCLG)
Founded in 1937, First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens is a vibrant community- focused, multi-cultural and historical African-American church located in the Somerset section of Franklin Township, NJ. The church's motto is "Faith in Action." FBCLG bears witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ for spiritual, educational, economic and community transformation. For more information, visit www.fbcsomerset.com.