Responding to the Chabad of Poway Synagogue Attack

Floor Speech

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Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mark a tragic day for San Diegans, Californians, and all Americans.

On the last day of Passover and exactly six months since the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, yet another attack took place, once again by an evil, hate-filled, anti-Semitic individual who was armed with an assault rifle. At the Chabad of Poway Synagogue located just outside of my district in Southern California, Mrs. Lori Kaye was senselessly murdered, and three other people were seriously injured.

There were many heroes on that day, including an off-duty Border Patrol Agent and an Army veteran who helped stop the gunman, and I am so grateful to them for saving lives and helping their community.

Our response to this attack cannot end now that the violence in Poway is over. It is up to each and everyone one of us--elected officials and everyday citizens alike--to confront the hate, bigotry, and anti- Semitism that persists in our society.

We must also take strong and decisive action to end the epidemic of gun violence in this country. Earlier this year, the House passed HR8, which would put common sense gun safety measures in place. We know it will help end the plague of senseless gun violence, and I implore the Senate to take up this bipartisan legislation immediately.

We need to bring together members of all religions, backgrounds, and political parties to address the hate and violence behind this attack, and that's what I intend to do over the coming weeks, months, and years.

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