Rep. Meeks Statement on Violence in Dallas, Baton Rouge, and Minneapolis
Rep. Meeks Statement on Violence in Dallas, Baton Rouge, and Minneapolis
Washington, D.C.—On Thursday, July 7th, a nonviolent protest in Dallas in response to the deaths of two black men turned deadly. When hundreds gathered to protest the shooting of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge and Philando Castile in Minneapolis, a sniper fired upon Dallas policemen and women, killing 5 and wounding 7. Congressman Gregory W. Meeks issued the following statement regarding the violent acts:
“In the past few days, we have joined our fellow Americans in mourning, our hearts aching as one. America is suffering from a sickness of gun violence. We’ve been made aware once again that bullets don’t discriminate based on profession or race; they kill people without any regard. Sometimes, these bullets originate from the very people sworn to protect us. Sometimes, they come from the guns of criminals who target our men and women in blue solely because of their uniform and profession. Whenever bullets hit an innocent man, woman, or child, it is atrocious and wrong.
“The murders of innocent men in Minnesota and Louisiana are truly appalling. The senseless murder of Dallas police officers during a nonviolent protest is utterly horrific. These courageous officers became victims simply for carrying out their sworn duty to serve and protect the Dallas community.
"As Americans, we pray for the victims in Minnesota and Louisiana, the fallen officers in Dallas, and mourn with all of their families. We have got to work together, police and civilians, to discourage and stamp out violence in America.”