WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), issued the following statement on the killing of Maryland Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson outside his home in Hagerstown.

“I offer my condolences to Judge Wilkinson’s family, friends and all those touched by his public service. No one should have to endure the anguish of having a loved one ripped away in such a manner. There is no excuse for this kind of violence, especially against an officer of the court. The rule of law is what makes our society work. It may not be perfect, but individuals like Judge Wilkinson worked to make it better and more just every day. His passion clearly was for serving his local community and for this, Judge Wilkinson will be sorely missed.”