Shooting at Family Research Council Reflects Trend of Violence that Threatens All

Saperstein: The fact remains that this trend of violence threatens us all and violates the values of respect for others that must be paramount in American civic and political life.

 

Washington, D.C. August 16, 2012 - In response to yesterday's shooting of a guard at the Family Research Council headquarters in Washington, D.C., Rabbi David Saperstein, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement: 

As information comes to light about yesterday's shooting at the Family Research Council office in Washington, it now appears that this attack, like others in recent weeks, reflects the worsening ideological divisiveness, anger and intolerance in our nation, which must end. We are grateful that the shooting injured only one person who is expected to make a full recovery, for which we pray. The fact remains that this trend of violence threatens us all and violates the values of respect for others that must be paramount in American civic and political life. Yesterday's shooting also adds to the evidence, as if more were needed, that guns are too pervasive in our society and too easily obtained by those with mental illness, nefarious goals - or both. Abiding by the principles of the Constitution need not be incompatible with sensible gun control. We call on members of Congress, the President and people committed to the safety and well being of all Americans to move swiftly on gun control measures that will help ensure the safety of us all.