Rep. Clarke on Attack at Fort Hood Military Base

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November 10, 2009 -- Washington, DC- Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement honoring the victims of the Fort Hood tragedy:

“On November 5th, Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan killed thirteen people and wounded thirty. This senseless act of violence is the worst terrorist act to take place on a mainland U.S. military base in our nation’s history. Fort Hood has suffered a great loss and my thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims.

As a Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, I will be working to ensure that our nation works to prevent such horrific actions from ever happening again. I will be closely following any congressional inquiries looking into the tragedy.

It has been determined that Maj. Hasan was a devout Muslim. Some have wondered whether his faith played a role in his horrific actions. We must remember that Islam is a faith of peace that shares many of its tenets with the core values that our nation was founded upon. We must be careful not to allow the radical and despicable acts of this man’s behavior to taint the core principles of this religion.

I praise the Fort Hood community for understanding that the pain of this tragedy will not be eased by actions of retribution against other Muslims and I pray for the victims of this terrible tragedy. As our nation celebrates Veterans Day, let us never forget how these brave man and woman have sacrificed for this nation.”

Source: Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke