Rep. Jonathan L. Jackson's Statement on the Murder of a 6-Year-Old Palestinian American Boy and Attack on His Family

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL-01) released the following statement on the horrific attack on a Palestinian American family that resulted in the death of a 6-year-old boy and the wounding of a 32-year-old woman in Illinois. Law enforcement officials allege that a 71-year-old man carried out the hate crime, attacking them because they are Muslims in the wake of Hamas's assault on Israel.

"My heart aches for the family and community of Wadea Al-Fayoume, and I pray with all my soul that his mother recovers. These were good people who were attacked for no other reason than they were Muslim, Palestinian Americans. We must condemn this horrific attack in the strongest possible terms and ensure that this virus of hate does not spread. We must redouble our efforts to preach the truth that Islam is a faith of peace, Palestinian Americans are our neighbors, and everyone deserves to live without fear of prejudice or hate."

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