McEachin Statement on Buffalo Mass Shooting

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) issued the following statement after the racially-motivated mass shooting in Buffalo, New York:

"My heart is heavy following the horrific attack in Buffalo this weekend. I pray for the thirteen victims and all those who know or lost loved ones in this act of domestic terrorism.

"As more details emerge, it is apparent that this was a hate-ridden, racially-motivated attack against the African American community by a self-proclaimed White supremacist, fascist, and anti-Semite. The shooter reportedly traveled over 200 miles to specifically target a predominantly Black community. This is a blatant hate crime and must be classified as such.

"This is just the latest example of a systemic issue plaguing our nation and tearing communities apart. We are far past the point of being able to simply offer our thoughts and prayers. We must take immediate steps to curb the rampant epidemic of gun violence in our nation and quell the hatred and vitriol that motivated this and so many other attacks.

"We cannot accept these mass shootings as commonplace. Gun violence is a public health crisis, and we have a moral obligation to the American people to take decisive action, protect our communities, and put an end to this epidemic."

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