WASHINGTON, DC. – Kristen Clarke, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, issued the following statement in response to the mass shootings in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio:
‘The shootings in El Paso and Dayton reveal a nation in crisis. These tragedies expose fault lines that are tearing apart our country: growing levels of white nationalism, racial and ethnic hatred, weak gun control laws, and the proliferation of assault weapons. Over the past few years, we have seen this administration put in place policies that demonize communities of color and immigrants, and we have also heard hateful rhetoric that has made these communities vulnerable to increasing levels of violence and hate. There is no doubt that words, rhetoric, and policies matter.”
“As our country mourns the catastrophic loss of life, we call on our public officials and leaders in all sectors, including online platforms, to take a stand against racism. These tragedies should sound the alarm across the executive and legislative branches about the work that must be done to make our communities safe. We call on the Justice Department to use every tool in its arsenal to confront the growing threat of white supremacy and white nationalism, and we call on Congress to move forward swiftly with comprehensive gun control legislation. We can and must do better.”
‘The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law remains committed to fighting hate and extremist, and will continue to honor those lives lost with action. Victims and communities targeted by hate can contact the Lawyers’ Committee’s Stop Hate Project at 844-9-NO -HATE.”
About the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, was formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to involve the private bar in providing legal services to address racial discrimination. Now in its 56th year, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is continuing its quest to ‘”Move America Toward Justice.” The principal mission of the Lawyers ‘ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is to secure, through the rule of law, equal justice for all, particularly in the areas of criminal justice, fair housing and community development, economic justice, educational opportunities, voting rights and hate crimes.
Contact
Reynolds Graves, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Press@LawyersCommittee.org, 202-662-8375
