On the Shooting at the National Holocaust Museum

This event is a terrible reminder of the cruelty and injustice that still exists in the hearts of many. A despicable act of violence has occurred at a place dedicated to peace and remembrance, and in a building that is synonymous with respect. My heart and prayers go out to the family of the brave security guard who was wounded and has put his life on the line to protect all those who were inside the Museum.

I was scheduled to attend a play tonight at the Museum about the effects of bigotry and anti-Semitism. The Museum is a living memorial to the victims of crimes against humanity. While this crime occurred in the nation's capital, we are reminded that there are still those who seek to use fear and hate to change the world. Just this weekend, in my hometown of Memphis, a church was vandalized and desecrated by hate speech that made references to the KKK.

As we move forward from today's events, let us commit ourselves to fighting fear with hope and ignorance with education.