WASHINGTON: The first Hindu lawmaker in the US Congress, Tulsi Gabbard, has expressed concerns over the recent spate of hate crimes against Indian-Americans. She has asked the Justice Department to initiate investigations into all violent acts motivated by bigotry.
“I'm very concerned about this. It's always dangerous to our people and our community when you have these violent hate crimes that are motivated out of bigotry,” she said. “This is something that I urge the Justice Department to investigate and to continue to inform and educate people, and to promote a society that is a pluralistic society that respects people no matter their religion, their race, ethnicity, their social status in life or anything else that makes each of us unique.”
The statements came in response to questions regarding hate crimes in the country. Gabbard is the first ever Hindu to ever be elected to the US House of Representatives. A three-term lawmaker from Hawaii, she was recently elected as the Democratic Co-Chair of Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans. “This is something that not only affects Indian-Americans or Hindus, but really is something that should be important to every American.”
Meanwhile, Congressman Ami Bera expressed grief over the attacks as he spoke at a Congressional briefing organised by the South Asian Americans Living Together. “As a nation, we must come together to stand up to these disturbing acts of hate violence - starting with the President. I am saddened and outraged when I hear about any American being warned not to speak their language or wear traditional clothing in public out of safety concerns. These hateful attacks do not reflect who we are as a nation of immigrants, but such violence could do irreparable damage to our reputation around the world.”
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal along with Congressman Joe Crowley has introduced a resolution against hate crimes. “We will continue to be resilient to counter the fearful, hateful people who think they can control us- they cannot.” Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi too voiced a similar opinion. “The hate-motivated crimes we have witnessed these past months have been an attack on the very spirit of America. As we confront this wave of hate, it is heartening to see so many Americans- from the South Asian community and others, coming together for essential meetings, like this briefing, to speak out and stand up for the values of our country.”
Congressman Ro Khanna exuded full confidence that the country will stand together, on a bipartisan basis, against hateful words and actions. "We must prosecute any hate crimes to the full extent of the law," said Khanna in his remarks at the event which was joined by several other influential lawmakers.
The disturbing uptick in hate violence targeting South Asian, Muslim, Sikh, Arab, and Middle Eastern communities is appalling and must end, said Congresswoman Judy Chu, chair of the Congressional Asian pacific American Caucus.
