WASHINGTON, DC –
U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD)
,

praised the Senate for its swift and unanimous action today offering its condolences to the family of Officer Stephen T. Johns, a Maryland resident who gave his life to save countless others, during a shooting yesterday at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Senator Cardin authored the resolution unanimously approved by the Senate that also condemned acts of violence and harassment based on any form of prejudice or hate, and called upon
leaders of all Nations to speak out against the manifestations of anti-Semitism, bigotry, and hatred.

“The Senate has come together in one voice today to declare that equality and liberty will prevail over any who would use hate and bigotry to frighten or intimidate others. We must join together to fight anti-Semitism, racism, and hate of any kind, before it begins and grows, leading to tragedies like yesterday’s shooting. My thoughts and prayers remain with the family of Officer Johns, and his colleagues at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, who have lost a good man and a courageous soul,” said Senator Cardin.
 

Senator Cardin serves as


Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission

, which is


an independent agency of the federal government charged with monitoring compliance with the Helsinki Accords and advancing human rights and democracy in 56 countries of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.


Eliminating incidents of anti-Semitism and hate crimes has been a key priority of the U.S. Helsinki Commission. 

The text of the Senate Resolution follows:

Offering deepest condolences to the family and friends of Officer Stephen T. Johns and calling on the leaders of all Nations to speak out against the manifestations of anti-Semitism, bigotry, and hatred.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

RESOLUTION

Offering deepest condolences to the family and friends of Officer Stephen T. Johns and calling on the leaders of all Nations to speak out against the manifestations of anti-Semitism, bigotry, and hatred.

Whereas the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum was established as a ”living memorial that stimulates leaders and citizens to confront hatred, prevent genocide, promote human dignity, and strengthen democracy”;

Whereas, since the dedication of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 1993, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum has welcomed nearly 30,000,000 visitors, including more than 8,000,000 school children and 85 heads of state;

Whereas, on June 10, 2009, in an assault at the entrance of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Officer Stephen T. Johns of Temple Hills, Maryland, was fatally wounded and died heroically in the line of duty;

Whereas, in the wake of this heinous act of violence, the people of the United States should renew the commitment to end bigotry, intolerance, and hatred; and

Whereas there is no place in the society of the United States for individuals who seek to harm or deny rights to others, especially based on religion, race, or ethnic identity: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved,

That the Senate-

(1) offers deepest condolences to the family and friends of Officer Stephen T. Johns;

(2) commends the staff members of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum for their courage and bravery in responding to the attack on June 10, 2009;

(3) condemns anti-Semitism and all forms of religious, ethnic, and racial bigotry;

(4) condemns acts of physical violence against, and harassment of, people based on race, gender, ethnicity, or religious affiliation; and

(5) calls on the leaders of all Nations to speak out against the manifestations of anti-Semitism, bigotry, and hatred.