Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations released the following statement to mark the second anniversary of the horrifying shooting that killed nine parishioners at the historic Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina on June 17, 2015:

“Two years ago, our community was terrorized when nine innocent African American worshipers were gunned down by a white supremacist at the historic Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. This act of terror sent a ripple effect that touched the lives of all African Americans, churchgoers, indeed all Americans. This horrific act of racial hatred is only one in a long history of hate that divided our nation and torn families apart for too long.

Our hearts and prayers are with the victims and the loved one of all those that lost their lives that atrocious night in Charleston, South Carolina. The Charleston Massacre anniversary and the recent attack on Members of Congress in Virginia is an appropriate occasion for us all to come together to remember the lives of all of those that have been affected by gun violence. This is also a reminder that we must stand against and denounce all acts of bigotry, racism, and hatred that directly affect many communities all over our nation.

As the community in Charleston, South Carolina gathers to remember and rebuild the community this hateful act tore apart, we stand with them and remember their resiliency and courage. We find solace in the love and faith that brings us together as one nation despite our differences.