Washington, DC – On September 9, 2015, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson introduced a resolution to honor the victims of post-9/11 hate crimes. Original cosponsors joining Congresswoman Johnson in recognizing post-9/11 hate crime victims included Reps. Andre Carson (IN-7), Mike Honda (CA-17), and Paul Tonko (NY-20).
“September 11, 2001 changed the course of our country’s history forever. Many Americans lost their lives and loved ones in those senseless acts of terrorism. In the aftermath of 9/11, we saw a marked increase of violence misdirected at individuals within the Arab, South Asian, Sikh, and Muslim communities. In the first nine weeks following 9/11, there were over 700 documented cases of violent incidents targeting Arab-Americans. On this day, I want to recognize the individuals who were unfairly targeted in post-9/11 violence. This resolution reaffirms the positive contributions that Arabs, South Asian, Sikh, and Muslims make to the United States and recognizes the rights of religious freedom upheld in the Constitution.”
