WASHINGTON — As Passover begins on Monday evening with the first seder, Rep. Jan Schakowsky D-Ill. said the shootings at two Jewish community centers in Kansas — where three people were killed — was a “hate crime…probably meant to instill fear.”
Schakowsky’s 9th congressional district includes a substantial Jewish population.
Reuters reported that the suspect is “a former Ku Klux Klan leader with history of spewing vitriol against Jews.”
Schakowsky statement….
“The shootings that took place Sunday, on Passover Eve, at Jewish Centers in Overland Park, Kansas, are terribly disturbing. My prayers and thoughts are with all of the victims and their families.
“For a gunman to take these brutal, senseless actions to murder innocent people is absolutely reprehensible, and he should be held fully accountable under the law.
“I believe Americans and all people, regardless of where they live or what they believe, should be able to lead their lives without falling victim to these terrible acts of violence. Though this hate crime was probably meant to instill fear, our greater community will not allow the awful acts of one man to break the spirit of many.”
“Any time these types of events occur, it is extremely tragic. As a public official serving Chicago and its northern suburbs I stand in solidarity with those who strive to prevent gun violence wherever possible. These acts happen too frequently in our communities and we must work together to stop violence and enhance safety. Again, my prayers and thoughts are with all victims and their families during this very difficult time.”
