Congresswoman Jackson Lee Denounces Violent Act Against Innocent Teenager; Calls On DOJ To Investigate As A Hate Crime

[The following is a press release from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Houston), TX-CD-18. Click here for the original (.doc). Related news coverage here, via Google News].

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee will request that the Department of Justice investigate the brutal beating of David Ritcheson as a hate crime.

“We see violence again rearing its ugly head. We should join together to make sure this type of bigotry stops. We should embrace the family of David Ritcheson and stand up against this type of violence grounded in hate. Hate Crimes are criminal offenses motivated either entirely or in part by the fact or perception that a victim is different from the perpetrator. Violence such as this has to stop,” stated Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.

Violence directed against individuals on the basis of their race, religion, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation is disturbingly prevalent — and poses significant threats to the full participation of all Americans in a democratic society. Bias-motivated crimes are designed to intimidate the victim and members of the victim’s community, leaving them feeling isolated, vulnerable, and unprotected by the law. These incidents damage the fabric of our society and fragment communities.

“We cannot be complacent in the fight against hate,” said Congresswoman Jackson Lee. “As leaders, we must reinforce the message that acts of bigotry and hate are unacceptable in America.”