House Democrat warns Biden against nominating Rahm Emanuel as ambassador, citing Chicago police shooting

“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,” the freshman left-wing lawmaker tweeted Wednesday.

As a House member, Bowman doesn’t have a say on nominations. Only senators do. But as an influential liberal voice in Congress, Bowman’s concern about an Emanuel ambassadorship could be a signal of more widespread opposition.

Emanuel was Chicago mayor in 2014 when a white police officer shot McDonald, 17, who was black, in an episode captured on video and that sparked outrage. The officer, Jason Van Dyke, was convicted in 2018 of second-degree murder and 16 counts of aggravated battery in McDonald’s killing. He was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison.

Emanuel became a national figure as a top adviser to President Bill Clinton. After a lucrative stint in the private sector working for an investment company, Emanuel won a Chicago-based House seat in 2002. He helmed House Democrats’ successful efforts to win the majority in 2006. Two years later, President-elect Barack Obama chose Emanuel as his chief of staff. Emanuel went on to win two terms as Chicago mayor.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

On Wednesday, Bowman would not elaborate on his statement, saying only his tweet “said it all.”