Congressman Lou Correa Introduces Legislation to Protect Synagogues, Churches, & Mosques From Terrorist Attacks

Statement

Today, Congressman Lou Correa (D-CA), Chairman of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security joined House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Thompson to introduce legislation to support and protect the safety of nonprofits at risk of terrorism, including synagogues, mosques, churches, and other places of worship.

Rep. Lou Correa said, "No one should walk into their house of worship and wonder if they'll walk back out. The increase of violence against religious institutions is deeply disturbing and must be addressed. While this legislation will not end the violence perpetrated by hateful people, it will save lives and ensure families can pray in peace."

In recent years, there has been an increase in violence and threats of violence against nonprofit institutions. On April 27, a gunman opened fire on congregants at a Passover celebration in a California synagogue, killing one person and injuring three others. Other noteworthy attacks against innocent people in houses of worship include the April 21 coordinated terrorist attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka that killed more than 250 people and injured more than 500 people; the March 15 deadly New Zealand mosque shootings, where 50 people were killed; the 2018 Pittsburgh "Tree of Life" synagogue shooting, where 11 people were killed; the 2017 Sutherland Springs, Texas church shooting, where 26 people died; and the 2015 Charleston, South Carolina church shooting, where nine people were killed; and the 2012 shooting at a Sikh Temple in Milwaukee, WI.

This legislation, H.R. 2476, the Securing American Non-Profit Organizations Against Terrorism Act of 2019, would authorize a security grant program within the Department of Homeland Security for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations that are at risk of a terrorist attack.

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