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CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE STATEMENT ON THE HATE CRIME SHOOTINGS IN CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

June 18, 2015

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a Senior Member of the House Judiciary Committee, released the following statement regarding the Hate Crime shooting in Charleston, South Carolina at Emanuel AME Church:

"Yesterday, nine people were shot and killed in Charleston, South Carolina when a deranged young male entered a church gathering at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Pastor Clementa Pinckney was among those who were killed. This church and the families involved are living their worst nightmare. My thoughts go out to the family and friends of all of those affected be this senseless killing.

"Emanuel AME church is a historic pillar in the community of Charleston. It is the oldest church in the southern region of the United States. It is nearly as old as the country itself, dating back to the late 1700s. It has many ties to slavery and the civil rights movement. The church hosted Dr. Martin King Jr. when he visited the state in the 60's.

"Charleston's Police Chief, Greg Mullen has said that this incident is being investigated and treated by the FBI and local law enforcement as a Hate Crime. There is no other explanation for someone to walk into a place of worship and commit murder. However, though this senseless act was committed in a sanctuary for prayer let us never neglect our responsibility to pray for the families and for one another.

"We pause all across the country to remember the members and Pastor Clementa Pinckney who served as a state senator in the southern region of South Carolina, and community activist. Pastor Pinckney died serving the people. There is no better way to live and no better way to leave.

"The community has many questions, questions that I share. The untimely death of 9 congregants of the Emanuel AME has caused a variety of emotions including outrage, fear and sadness. We must do what we can to apprehend the killer and support the families involved in this tragedy. Let us be sure to direct our anger, emotions and desire for justice, towards the apprehension of the perpetrator and the healing from this horrid hatred for the nation."

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Congresswoman Jackson Lee is a Democrat from Texas's 18th Congressional District. She is a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security and is the former Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security