Jewish Dems: White Supremacy and Gun Violence are Partisan Issues

WASHINGTON – In response to the August 26 shooting in Jacksonville, Florida, of three Black people by a white supremacist using an AR-15 with swastika markings, Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) CEO Halie Soifer released the following statement:

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the horrific murder of three Black people in Jacksonville perpetrated by a white supremacist and mourn the loss of the innocent victims of this unconscionable hate crime. This shooting occurred as JDCA and other organizations were commemorating the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington. Six decades after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. declared his dream of equality and justice, it’s clear that we still face an uphill battle for freedom, voting rights, and security. 

The weaponized extremism on display in Jacksonville is a partisan issue. Gun violence is an epidemic in the United States, and Republicans refuse to ban the very assault weapons used in Jacksonville and countless other cities across the United States. White supremacy, bigotry, racism, antisemitism, and right-wing extremism have been emboldened, tolerated, and embraced by Donald Trump and the Republican Party he leads. President Biden and Democrats are committed to banning assault weapons and combating all forms of extremism, including systemic racism, but the GOP continues to obstruct progress on both issues. 

“It’s past time that Americans identified the real problem, and there’s no mistaking it: Republicans refuse to take action that will make our communities safe. We extend our condolences to the families and friends of the victims in Jacksonville and commit to electing Democrats who will combat extremism and ban assault weapons. 

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