WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Chris Coons (D-DE), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Andy Kim (D-NJ) released a statement regarding the senseless attack that killed one National Guard member and critically injured another, as well as the Afghan community’s condemnation of the attacker’s actions:
“We condemn the horrific November 26th attack on National Guard members in Washington, DC and express our condolences to the family of Sarah Beckstrom who lost her life. This violence has no place in our country and our thoughts are with the Guard community and the families now facing an unthinkable tragedy.
“Afghans across the United States have condemned the attacker’s senseless actions and reiterated their gratitude to America for the opportunity to rebuild their lives in safety. They, too, are calling for a full investigation and accountability for this individual’s unspeakable and unjustified violence.
“While grieving families continue to mourn and seek accountability through the justice system, we must reject any attempt to cast blame on an entire community of Afghans or diminish the service and sacrifice of those who served alongside U.S. forces and personnel. Future conflicts may similarly require the support of local partners, which depends on whether the United States is trusted to uphold the promises we made to those who helped us decimate Al Qaeda and risked their lives for a brighter and freer future.
“We support continuing rigorous vetting of the Afghans who arrived in the U.S. following the withdrawal of American forces. As that vetting continues, we must also ensure that the programs designed to detect early-warning signs, prevent targeted violence and support mental health needs remain a priority.”
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