On the recordDecember 17, 2015
On December 11, 2015, the Islamic Society of Coachella Valley mosque was firebombed, with four people praying inside, 9 days after the San Bernardino terrorist mass shooting. The perpetrator is being charged for a hate crime. Mr. Speaker, I strongly condemn violence toward innocent people, whether they are victims of terrorism or victims of hate crimes, whether they are randomly chosen or targeted for being Muslim. I strongly condemn the hate speech from politicos who capitalize on the fear of the fearful and the hate of the hateful for political gain. As Americans, we believe in justice, the rule of law, and freedom of religion. Destroying terrorists and protecting law-abiding Muslim Americans are not mutually exclusive, and we must do both because we believe in justice, sentencing the guilty, and protecting the innocent. That is why I stand with my local priests, pastors, rabbis, imams, and law enforcement to denounce the violence, pursue justice, and strengthen our humanity. ____________________
