Tom Lantos: “Mr. Speaker, we stand here today mere miles away from a tragedy that shook our Nation and left many shocked and angered…”

“Mr. Speaker, we stand here today mere miles away from a tragedy that shook our Nation and left many shocked and angered by an act of unprecedented brutality on America's shores. As we emerge from the incomprehensible darkness into the light of this day, let us concentrate first our prayer and mourning, our sadness and our sorrow, for the victims of this unimaginable horror, and then, second, send our prayers, support and heartfelt thanks to the courageous police, firefighters, and medical staff who have made great sacrifices, and, in some cases, given their lives, to care for the injured and take care of our dead. In our search for understanding and truth, we should remember that now, especially at this time of need, it is truly our reliance on a higher power that will see us through. So as we pray to our God, let us not forget that real security and real peace come through justice; that fear and prejudice divert us from our true and righteous cause; and that we are a country that stands for the rule of law. The perpetrators of this crime can and will be dealt with. We must be careful not to rush to judgment and must ensure that when we strike back, we deliver a blow against those truly responsible for these terrible crimes.”