COLUMBIA, SC – Representative Wendell Gilliard, author of South Carolina’s Hate Crime Bill and a staunch advocate for justice and equality, today issued a heartfelt statement following the tragic shooting deaths of two Israeli Embassy employees outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.
“My deepest condolences go out to the families, friends, and colleagues of the two innocent victims whose lives were brutally cut short by this senseless act of violence,” said Rep. Gilliard. “An attack on any individual because of their faith, ethnicity, or identity is an attack on the very fabric of our nation. Hate has no place in America, and we must stand united against it.”
The victims, one of whom was an American citizen, were targeted in what appears to be a heinous hate crime—a grim reminder of the rising tide of antisemitism and bigotry plaguing our country. Rep. Gilliard emphasized that this tragedy underscores the urgent need for comprehensive hate crime legislation and decisive action at every level of government.
“This is not just another crime—it is a hate crime, a deliberate act of terror meant to instill fear in a community. South Carolina took a critical step by passing our Hate Crime Bill in the House, but we cannot stop there. We need the SC Senate to join the fray. We need federal leadership, stronger laws, and unwavering enforcement to protect all Americans from the scourge of hate-fueled violence,” Gilliard stated.
Rep. Gilliard called on lawmakers in South Carolina and nationwide to prioritize hate crime prevention, increase funding for community security, and ensure that justice is served swiftly for the victims and their families. He also urged citizens to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community and all marginalized groups facing persecution.
“Silence is complicity. We must speak out, take action, and root out hatred wherever it exists. To the families mourning today: South Carolina stands with you. We will not rest until justice is served and our communities are safe from hate.”