A 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.

Bill: 118-sres-127
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Hawley, Josh [R-MO]
Introduced: 2023-03-28
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Congressional tributes

Crime victims

First responders and emergency personnel

Hate crimes

Health personnel

Law enforcement officers

Religion

Tennessee
Latest action: action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S1003)

Summaries:
action_date: 2023-03-28
action_desc: Introduced in Senate
text: <p>This resolution condemns the 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.</p> <p>Further, the resolution honors the victims and extends condolences to their families, friends, and community.</p>

tv_txt: III 118th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 127 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

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.