June 19, 2015
By Melissa Mark-Viverito
The terrible murders at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston are a horrifying act of terrorism and I commend law enforcement for the swift arrest of the suspect.
That the gunman sat and watched his victims within a house of worship and then murdered them – because of the color of their skin- reminds us that we must be vigilant about hate in all of its devastating forms and wherever it is taking place. It is also a reminder that there is much work ahead in challenging and dismantling racism, bigotry and hate. My heart goes out to the families of those slain, to those injured and to the entire Charleston community.
Melissa Mark-Viverito is the Council Speaker of the New York City Council
