Sierra Club Statement on the Trump Administration’s Threats to our Constitutional Rights and Attacks on our Communities

Washington, D.C.- In response to the Trump administration's threats to our Constitutional rights and deadly attacks and violence inflicted on communities in Minnesota and across the country, Sierra Club Executive Director Loren Blackford released the following statement:

"For nearly 250 years, Americans and civil society have relied upon the basic rights bestowed upon us by the Constitution. These rights are facing an unprecedented attack. The Trump administration's threats to the basic tenets of our democracy endanger the fundamental principles we depend on to safeguard our communities, protect our clean air and water, and ensure a livable future for us all. We cannot afford to look away. We cannot be silent.

"The killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good are not isolated. The videos of the recent violence evoke a visceral feeling in us all, as do the accounts of those killed across the country as a result of this administration's attacks against our communities. We join with families and communities across the country in mourning their loss. We condemn this administration's escalating campaign terrorizing our communities and threatening our fundamental rights. But this is not enough; we demand leadership alongside it. We call on Congress to leverage their powers over funding for the Department of Homeland Security to hold Kristi Noem and the Trump administration accountable for their unconstitutional and deadly actions.

"We believe in the Constitution and the rule of law. These foundational rights, including freedom of speech and assembly without fear of retribution, underlie our work and our mission.

"The American people are demanding change and accountability. From a historic peaceful protest in Minnesota to calls for leadership in Washington, the people are demanding our leaders take the action necessary to protect our rights and preserve civil society. America's ideals and democracy require nothing less."

About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit https://www.sierraclub.org.