June 10, 2009

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman André Carson issued the following statement in response to a shooting at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. which seriously injured a security officer:

“I am deeply saddened and troubled by today’s shooting at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, and my thoughts and prayers go out to the injured security officer and his family.

This senseless, hateful and cowardly act of violence could have been even more tragic if it weren’t for the heroic security officers, who acted promptly on their instincts and did what they were trained to do in order to contain the threat. They put themselves in harm’s way to protect the lives of countless museum patrons, and their courageous actions should be commended.

“This museum stands as a poignant reminder of the millions of innocent people who lost their lives in the unbridled hatred of the Holocaust.  As thousands visit the museum each day, it remains a testament to the power of our united front standing against hate that sadly continues to exist in parts of our society.  Today’s attack is simply deplorable; however, I am certain that it will only serve to reinforce our determination to combat extremism and discrimination in all of its forms.”

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