Congressman Gregory W. Meeks Statement on the Fire Bombings of Muslim and Hindu Religious Gatherings

JAMAICA, NY--Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, and Foreign Affairs Committee released a statement on the fire bombings of Muslim and Hindu religious gatherings:

“I am dismayed and disgusted by the attacks with Molotov cocktails on a Muslim religious institution, a Hindu religious gathering, a commercial enterprise, and a private home in Jamaica, Queens, the heart of the Sixth Congressional District. I resolutely and categorically condemn these actions and urge all members of the Southeast Queens community to do likewise.

“The perpetrator or perpetrators are as yet unknown. Nor are the reasons that motivated these attacks known. But let me be crystal clear: No reason or cause justifies deliberate and wanton violence against people or property. I call on Sixth Congressional District residents, clergy across denominations, residents of all faiths, community leaders, and elected officials throughout Southeast Queens to come together in support of the victims and intended victims of these cowardly attacks. I welcome the speed and determination with which the NYPD, the Mayor, and the Governor have responded. I urge the entire community to assist law enforcement authorities in helping to bring the person or persons responsible to justice. [End]

Photo Credit: Nat Valentine

Photo caption: Meeks at a press conference earlier today at Imam Al-Khoei Islamic Center Jamaica, NY

Candace Sandy 718.725.6000/718.683.4209 (mobile)