Kim holds conference in response to Georgia shootings
Rep. Patty Kim March 24, 2021 | 12:30 PM
HARRISBURG, March 24 -- State Rep. Patty Kim, D-Dauphin, today held a news conference at the state Capitol to show solidarity with the Asian-American Pacific Islander community and to support state Rep. Dan Frankel’s anti-hate package of legislation.
“The shootings that took place in Georgia last week highlight the racism and domestic terrorism that is on the rise in America,” Kim said. “All of our lives have value, no matter our profession, our race, our gender. We need to speak up and demand action. We cannot allow more of these hate crimes and shootings to continue without doing what we can to help protect these communities.”
“This loss of these eight souls is yet another reminder that our own Commonwealth’s hate crimes laws are decades out of date and insufficient to stand against a growing and emboldened movement of white supremacy,” said Frankel, D-Allegheny. “As I mourn with the Asian American Pacific Islander community, I will continue to fight here in Pennsylvania to protect vulnerable groups. We cannot wait for another tragedy to strike here to do something.”
"In a year where loss and grief are all too common, we cannot be desensitized to this type of terror,” said state Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery. “We must continue to advocate for the AAPI community, communities of color, and all who experience increased vulnerability and underrepresentation. There is no excuse for any group of people to feel unsafe in the country and city they call home. We must stand together and call for what is necessary: increased protections, safeguards and, above all, action."
"Even before the gut-wrenching tragedy in Atlanta, racism and violence against members of the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community were all too common,” said state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery. “These acts of hate, violence and harassment are unacceptable. Inaction in response to this mayhem is also unacceptable and that is why I am dedicated to consulting with leaders of the AAPI community, civil rights attorneys, scholars, law enforcement and members of our faith community to better address the impact of these crimes on our brothers and sisters. I plan to support legislation to help and protect these targeted communities. We must stand up and refuse to tolerate this ugly, vicious behavior."
"The murder of eight people, including the lives of six Asian women, in the mass shooting in Georgia, is sickening and deeply tragic,” said state Rep. Jared Solomon, D-Phila. “I will not stand for this hateful behavior. I am grateful to live in a beautiful and diverse community. The diversity of our community is what makes us strong. I will remain committed to putting a stop to racism and continuing to advocate for equity and justice for all."
“We are one nation with many diverse communities and when one is attacked, then all have been attacked,” House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton said. “We will fight hatred with love, consideration, unity and healing.”
“We all belong here,” said state Sen. Art Haywood, D-Phila.
For more information, contact Kim’s office at (717) 986-1673.