Duckworth Statement on Attempted Mass Shooting on Hindu Place of Worship in Aurora

Duckworth Statement on Attempted Mass Shooting on Hindu Place of Worship in Aurora

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement in reaction to police arresting and charging a man with felony crimes for an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu place of worship in Aurora, Illinois:

"This horrific attempted attack in Aurora goes against everything America stands for. I'm deeply grateful to both the suspect's coworkers who alerted law enforcement and to the heroic first responders who acted swiftly to save lives. While the worst was prevented and fortunately no one was hurt, it remains a tragedy in and of itself that such an evil plot against the Hindu community was even conceived. It is a stark reminder that when white supremacy knocks, we all have a responsibility to answer loudly and make it clear there is no home for such hatred here in Illinois. In this deeply disturbing moment, we must come together to help ensure every Illinoisan can practice their faith and live without fear."

In the wake of this attempted attack against Indian Americans at the Hindu temple in Aurora, today Duckworth spoke with U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-8), first responders and community leaders to hear their concerns and offer support. The incident comes amid persistent anti-Asian hate nationwide, with reported anti-Asian hate crimes remaining nearly three times higher in 2024 than the average annual number reported between 2013 and 2018. Duckworth has long been a leader calling for an end to anti-Asian hate, helping lead the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act that was signed into law by President Biden to help address the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes, improve hate crime reporting, expand public awareness and support affected communities.

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