Voto Latino Statement on Anti-LGBTQ+ Attack in Colorado

In response to the anti-LGBTQ attack in Colorado this weekend, Voto Latino President and CEO Maria Teresa Kumar issued the following statement.

“Our hearts go out to the victims of the Colorado shooting, their loved ones and the entire LGBTQ+ community of Colorado Springs. No one should ever face violence or harassment because of who they are. This shooting, on the eve of Transgender Day of Rememberance, is a chilling reminder that hate and bigotry have real and horrifying consequences. It’s also more unnecessary evidence that the widespread availability of weapons designed to inflict mass violence endangers all of us—whether we’re celebrating with our friends, attending school, going to a concert, visiting our place of worship, shopping for groceries or stopping by a Wal-Mart.

“It’s impossible to ignore the fact that this hate crime took place in the context of rising smears and conspiracy theories aimed at LGBTQ+ people. Far too often those lies are amplified and encouraged by political leaders cynically trying to harness bigotry to score short term political gains. It’s time for elected leaders at every level not just to condemn this violence, but to clearly and emphatically denounce the hateful “groomer” rhetoric that makes this violence more likely. Until they take responsibility for inciting hate and division—and take real steps towards keeping weapons of war out of the hands of violent extremists—their ‘thoughts and prayers’ for the victims of this attack don’t mean a thing. I’m inspired by the courageous actions of Richard Fierro and the others who stopped the attacker from taking more lives. If only our political leaders could show a fraction of their bravery.

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Voto Latino is a grassroots political organization focused on educating and empowering a new generation of Latinx voters, as well as creating a more robust and inclusive democracy. Through innovative digital campaigns, culturally relevant programs and authentic voices, we shepherd the Latinx community towards the full realization of its political power.