Pelosi Statement on the One-Year Anniversary of the Charleston Church Shooting

Contact: Drew Hammill/Evangeline George, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi today released this statement on the one-year anniversary of the racist act of terrorism that killed nine parishioners at the historic Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C.:

“Today marks one year since nine parishioners at one of our nation’s oldest black congregations were gunned down at their bible study. And as we remember this somber anniversary this week, our grief is layered on yet another horrifying act of hate and terror – the brutal attack on the LGBT community in Orlando. No American should be targeted for who they are, how they worship, or who they love.

“We must honor those we have lost with action. Congress has a moral responsibility to do more to prevent gun violence. We must pass the bipartisan King-Thompson legislation to strengthen background checks. We must have universal background checks, and we must close the outrageous ‘No Fly, No Buy’ gun loophole.

“At the eulogy for Mother Emanuel AME Pastor Clementa Pinckney, President Obama said, we are called ‘to hope, to persevere, and have faith.’ Our nation draws incredible inspiration and strength from Mother Emanuel and the Charleston community. May their powerful response to loss and hate guide us. May their resilience and reservoir of love give us the courage to create safer communities for all families.”

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