Members of the Florida congressional delegation weighed in after a racially motivated shooting in Jacksonville which left three dead.
Ryan Christopher Palmeter, a 21 year old man from Clay County, had posted a hate filled manifesto online before heading to Edward Waters University (EWU), an AME college founded by freedmen in 1866 and one of the oldest members of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) community in the nation. After being noticed by security at EWU, Palmeter headed to a nearby Dollar General where he began firing, killing three Black people. Palmeter killed himself at the Dollar General.
“I join the Jacksonville community in grieving the tragic loss of innocent lives at the hands of a deranged person. My prayers are with the victims’ families, our local law enforcement, and all residents of Northeast Florida as we come together to cope with this tragic loss that has been suffered,” said U.S. Rep. John Rutherford, R-Fla.
“Today’s violence and tragic loss of life was a direct result of the hatred and evil that sadly lives within our community,” noted U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean, R-Fla. “May God give their families the strength to cope with this unexpected loss.”
“Three innocent Black lives were senselessly taken today. My heart goes out to those who lost their loved ones in this vile act of violence and to the entire Jacksonville community. Florida’s 20th Congressional District stands with you during this difficult time,” said U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla. “While the incident is under investigation, it has become undeniable that this killer was motivated by a deep and malicious hatred of Black individuals. Today’s shooting was a repugnant hate crime and a direct attack against Florida’s Black community.
“We must stand firmly against hatred — and those who peddle it — before extremism engulfs our state and more Black lives are needlessly lost,” she added.
U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., the chairwoman of the U.S. Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys, also weighed in on the shooting.
“I’m filled with grief and outrage over the heartbreaking tragedy in Jacksonville, Florida. It is unconscionable that we must again mourn the loss of three innocent lives from another racially motivated mass shotting,” said Wilson “Let me be clear: white supremacy is a poison that continues to permeate our society. The Dollar General store incident near Edward Waters University, a historically Black university, is a harsh reminder of the ongoing racial prejudice being fueled nationwide.
“This is the painful truth: racism plagues our state, and it’s time to confront it head-on,” Wilson continued. “We can’t shy away from this harsh reality. The authorities have rightly called this heinous act racially motivated, a term that should jolt us into action. We cannot turn a blind eye to the hate that powers such acts of violence. The dehumanization of Black people has hit a breaking point. We must declare an emergency and demand accountability. When those in power peddle hate, we must respond. Divisive rhetoric ignites hatred and empowers those with violent intent.
“But it goes beyond hate. Gun violence demands action. Comprehensive gun control by leaders is crucial to prevent recurring tragedies. It’s time to act decisively for lasting change. Now is a time for unity, empathy, and solidarity, not discord. My plea is simple: end hate and the violence it spawns. Stand united against racism and prejudice. Every life holds immense value, and the victims deserve our unwavering commitment to justice,” Wilson said in conclusion.
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