| WASHINGTON, DC — The National President of the Hispanic National Bar Association issued the following statement in response to reports that the gunman in the shooting of Judge Esther Salas’s family had published racist, misogynistic and anti-feminist writings that were disparaging of Judge Salas, other female judges, and all women.
“The HNBA denounces hatred, bigotry and violence in all its forms,” said HNBA National President Irene Oria. “This horrific attack reminds us that there are people who want to kill us solely because of our gender, the color of our skin, our ethnic background – or just because we are different. We condemn the gunman’s misogynistic and racist writings as nothing other than baseless hate speech that conflicts with our American values. The gunman’s vile conduct is antithetical to those values and a direct threat to the promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
“Judge Salas has pursued a life that truly reflects American values. She is an icon and role model for attorneys of all backgrounds. As a daughter of immigrant parents, she overcame great adversity to provide for her family while devoting her professional career to serving the public as a federal judge. As the first Latina to serve as a United States Magistrate Judge and now as the first United States District Judge in New Jersey, she has earned the distinction of being recognized as a trailblazer. She has been highly praised nationally not only for her inspiring career as a respected jurist but also for her contributions, leadership and service to the legal community. Most significantly, she is a devoted mother and wife, a devout Catholic, and a mentor for students on a path to a legal education. Judge Salas’s journey is the embodiment of the American dream—a life and dream that were violently attacked.”
“The HNBA asks the legal community to stand together against hate and stand with Judge Salas, her husband Mark and her family as they continue to overcome this unthinkable tragedy. Judge Salas, one of our own, has seen her precious son’s life tragically ripped away while he was in the middle of pursuing a path that she was so proud of: getting an education with hard work and humility. Now as Judge Salas and Mark Anderl grieve the loss of their son, we as a legal community must also fight to defend the values that Judge Salas and her family stand for.”
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