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[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 127 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>

118th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 127

   Condemning the horrific school shooting at The Covenant School in 
Nashville, Tennessee, as a hate crime, and recognizing the victims and 
               expressing condolences to their families.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             March 28, 2023

 Mr. Hawley submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
                     the Committee on the Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
   Condemning the horrific school shooting at The Covenant School in 
Nashville, Tennessee, as a hate crime, and recognizing the victims and 
               expressing condolences to their families.

Whereas, on March 27, 2023, a deranged individual tragically and violently 
        opened fire at The Covenant School, a religious institution in 
        Nashville, Tennessee, that is part of the Covenant Presbyterian Church;
Whereas this heinous act resulted in the death of 3 innocent students, namely 
        Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney;
Whereas 3 dedicated school employees, Cynthia Peak, Katherine Koonce, and 
        Michael Hill, also tragically lost their lives in the line of duty;
Whereas Federal law explicitly prohibits violence against people of the United 
        States on the basis of religious affiliation or belief;
Whereas this reprehensible act of violence targeted a Christian institution, its 
        students, and its employees;
Whereas the Senate acknowledges and honors the bravery and sacrifice of the 
        first responders, law enforcement officers, and medical personnel who 
        responded to this tragic event;
Whereas the Senate extends its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and 
        loved ones of the victims and the entire community of The Covenant 
        School; and
Whereas the Senate recognizes that the United States must continue to work to 
        prevent hate crimes, protect religious liberties, and ensure the safety 
        and security of all people of the United States: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) strongly condemns the horrific act of violence that 
        occurred at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, on 
        March 27, 2023, and recognizes it as a hate crime targeting 
        Christians;
            (2) honors the memory of the victims, Evelyn Dieckhaus, 
        Hallie Scruggs, William Kinney, Cynthia Peak, Katherine Koonce, 
        and Michael Hill, and extends its heartfelt condolences to 
        their families, friends, and the entire community of The 
        Covenant School;
            (3) expresses gratitude and appreciation for the bravery 
        and selflessness displayed by the first responders, law 
        enforcement officers, and medical personnel who responded to 
        the tragic event;
            (4) calls on all people of the United States--
                    (A) to unite in the face of such hatred and 
                violence; and
                    (B) to stand in solidarity with those who have been 
                affected by this tragedy;
            (5) condemns hateful rhetoric that leads to violence; and
            (6) reaffirms its commitment to uphold the values of 
        tolerance, religious freedom, and justice for all, as enshrined 
        in the Constitution of the United States.
                                 <all>
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