ABEL CHAVEZ STATEMENT REACTING TO SHOOTING AT ISLAMIC CENTER
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SAN DIEGO – Abel Chavez, candidate for California’s 48th Congressional District, today expressed horror, sadness, as well as anger, regarding the murder of three innocent members of the Islamic Center of San Diego (ICSD) at the hands of two alleged gunmen.
“These shocking occurrences are not only senseless and tragic, but avoidable and remind us of how precious each life is, and how fragile our national sense of community is at this moment in time,” Chavez said. “I can only imagine what thousands of people in that community are going through and my family’s heart goes out to the victims of loss, as well as those exposed to the trauma of such an attack.”
Chavez said that places such as the ICSD and mosques across the 48th district as well as across our nation are places that celebrate life, where congregants come for community, a sense of belonging and to worship freely as is afforded by our Constitution.
He said the political climate and division our country is currently experiencing should be a wake up call — once again — as our communities are faced with suffering through the aftermath of yet another mass casualty event.
“While we wait to learn more about the motivations behind this tragedy, I am yet again outraged by anti-immigrant and anti-muslim rhetoric being shouted by a significant number of seated elected officials in Washington D.C.,” he said. “We as Americans must continue to work to eradicate the established politics of racism and bigotry from our land and from our nation’s capital.”
“We simply must do better as a country. We must surround each other with love, protection and acceptance in order to strengthen our community and our nation. If we aspire to be a truly great nation, horrific tragedies like this cannot exist going forward.”
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California’s 48th Congressional District, which includes parts of Riverside and San DiegoCounty, is one of the most competitive districts in the country. From lowering the cost of healthcare to making housing more affordable and ensuring every child gets a quality education, Abel Chávez is committed to building a democracy that works for everyone — not just the powerful few.
For more information about Abel Chavez's campaign please visit abelchavezforcongress.com.
