Pelosi Statement on Three Years Since the Charleston Church Shooting

Contact: Ashley Etienne/Henry Connelly, 202-226-7616

San Francisco, CA – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released this statement marking three years since the racist act of violence that killed nine parishioners at the historic Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C. on June 17, 2015:

"Three years ago, as they gathered together in bible study, nine parishioners at one of America's oldest African American congregations were gunned down in a staggering and tragic act of hate. On this somber occasion, we continue to grieve for the beautiful souls that were lost, and pray with the victims and families whose lives have been torn apart by hatred and gun violence.

"Sadly, Congressional Republicans have fought tooth and nail against commonsense gun violence prevention measures, prioritizing their allegiance to the NRA above the survival of innocent Americans. We must come together to honor those we lost in Charleston and in countless communities across the country by denouncing hatred, racism and violence and passing critical gun violence protection measures including Assistant Democratic Leader Jim Clyburn's legislation to strengthen background checks and close outrageous loopholes.

"We continued to be inspired and guided by the deep faith and unending love of the Mother Emanuel and Charleston communities. We must remember the words of the late Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney, who said ‘the Lord teaches us to love all, and we pray that over time, justice will be done.' May these words and the memories of those lost give us the courage to love and the strength and determination to bring safety and justice to all our communities."

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