WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) is Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, 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.  Senator Cardin issued the following statement in response to the shooting at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum:

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I have visited the Holocaust Museum many times with my family and today’s despicable act is one that was intended to frighten and intimidate all people who care about equality and liberty.
  My prayers and thoughts are with the family of the security officer who gave his life to protect countless others.
I also want to affirm my commitment to ending racial bigotry and hatred that have apparently led to this heinous act.
  There is no place in our society for individuals who would harm or deny rights to others, especially based on religion, race or ethnic identity.”