Gottheimer Statement on Tragic Attacks in Jersey City

WASHINGTON – Today, Wednesday, December 11, 2019, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer released the following statement on yesterday’s attacks in Jersey City:

With investigations still undergoing, I am devastated to learn that the victims of yesterday’s shooting in Jersey City may have been targeted because they were Jews.

It appears to confirm that violent anti-Semitism poses a growing threat across our country, and a direct threat right here in New Jersey. All Americans should be outraged that our fellow citizens could be targeted and killed simply because of their religion.

As the Anti-Defamation League has reported, anti-Semitism in the United States remained at near-historic levels last year – with New Jersey ranked as third in the nation in anti-Semitic incidents. This is completely unacceptable.

We must stand together and act now, to denounce this hate, and to do everything possible to prevent more violence.

We also stand together, as one New Jersey, to honor the law enforcement officers harmed in yesterday’s attack, including especially Detective Joseph Seals, a father of five and a 15-year police veteran, who gave his own life to save others and to protect the community.

We all mourn with his family and loved ones, and my prayers are with the officers and civilians who are still recovering.

I am fully committed to working with the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, the FBI, our mayors and councils, religious leaders, school administrators, and parents to ensure that any instance of hatred, bias, and anti-Semitism will be swiftly addressed.