OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001

Date: Jan. 21, 2003
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Criminal Justice

LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2001

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need for hate crimes legislation. In the last Congress Senator Kennedy and I introduced the Local Law Enforcement Act, a bill that would add new categories to current hate crimes law, sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society.

I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred May 3, 2001 in Los Angeles, CA. An African-American man was shot by an Hispanic man, Carlos Garcia. Garcia shot and critically wounded the victim after telling him that he "did not like black men associating with Hispanic women," according to police. After the incident, the gunman hijacked a bus and caused a deadly crash as he was fleeing from police.

I believe that Government's first duty is to defend its citizens, to defend them against the harms that come out of hate. The Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act is a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation and changing current law, we can change hearts and minds as well.

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