Leader Schumer Remarks On Devastating Gun Violence At Brown University And Antisemitic Terror Attack In Australia

New York, N.Y. - Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today delivered the following remarks after tragic attacks in Rhode Island and Australia. Below are Senator Schumer's remarks as prepared:

As we light the menorah for the first night of Hanukkah this evening, the global Jewish community is in mourning.

Terrorists in Sydney, Australia, have shot and killed at least 11 people and injured more during a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach.

The victims included Rabbi Eli Shlanger, who was a pillar in the Crown Heights community.

I thank the first responders who quickly arrived on scene, and the man who tackled and subdued one of the gunmen.

I am praying for the full recovery of the injured, and for the families of the victims-may their memories be a blessing.

As I have warned repeatedly, antisemitism is a scourge around the world that must be condemned loudly and fought vigorously at every turn.

The Jewish people have been collectively demonized-increasingly so in the last few years-and this tragedy in Sydney shows the abject danger of letting antisemitic rhetoric and action go unchecked.

Our collective humanity demands that we come together, no matter our race or religion, and forcefully rebuke the forces that have led to this moment and left our society so divided.

On the heels of a tragic shooting here at home at Brown University, our hearts are extremely heavy this morning.

These sickening events have become far too normal in our world.

We must do more to stop gun violence, including congressional action on gun safety reforms.

We must reject antisemitism and hate of all kinds, wherever it rears its head.

When I light the menorah tonight, I will be thinking about those we lost in Sydney this morning and at Brown University.

I will be praying for the families and the entire Jewish community, and I will be praying for the countless victims of senseless gun violence here at home and across the globe.

We must come together to heal our divides, and while that seems like a daunting task in moments like these, it has never been more vital.

###