Thompson Statement on Synagogue Shooting in Pittsburgh
(WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on the mass shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:
"Today our nation faced another act of senseless violence and hate. I join all Americans in mourning the loss of our fellow citizens. This is unfortunately yet another example of a disturbing uptick in violence and terror against our religious institutions. While we will do all that we can for the victims and those affected, thoughts and prayers are not enough. This tragic day must serve as a reminder that places of worship are often soft targets."
"To help churches, synagogues, and mosques, I urge Congress to pass the Securing American Non-Profit Organizations Against Terrorism Act. This bipartisan bill would provide funding for religious institutions across the country to receive grant funding to secure their facilities. This legislation has passed the House but is still awaiting passage in the Senate. I urge my Senate colleagues to pass this bill at once."
Ranking Member Thompson introduced the Securing American Non-Profit Organizations Against Terrorism Act of 2017 (H.R. 1486) last year after Jewish Community Centers, synagogues, and religious day schools received a spate of threats.
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