WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez today released the following joint statement in response to the fatal shooting this week in Jersey City being formally investigated as a hate crime and potential act of domestic terrorism:
 
“The targeted attack that terrorized the streets of Jersey City and took four innocent lives appears to be fueled by anti-Semitism and hatred towards police. This is not who we are as New Jerseyans or Americans. These reprehensible acts might test our faith, but we must steadfastly commit ourselves to creating a world where no family member or community has to endure the pain felt in Jersey City right now.
 
“This inhuman attack on our Jewish community and the men and women of law enforcement who risk their lives each day to protect the public was an attack on all of us who call New Jersey home, on our values and our belief in religious liberty and human rights.  Each of us grieves along with the families of the victims and the people of Jersey City.
 
“The brave first responders who swiftly responded deserve our sincere thanks and gratitude, especially to the family of Detective Joseph Seals, who made the ultimate sacrifice and crystallized the risk our officers take each day they kiss their families goodbye and leave for work.  To the families of Moshe Deutsch, Mindy Ferencz, and Douglas Miguel Rodriguez, we not just offer our prayers and our offices’ assistance during this difficult time, but we commit to ensuring their lives were not lost in vain by renewing our resolve to combat rising anti-Semitism across our nation and the world and to pursue common sense, lifesaving gun safety reform.”
 
“New Jersey is the most diverse state in the nation, where we take pride in welcoming people of different faiths and backgrounds, and live together as neighbors, friends and coworkers in pursuit of our shared common goals.   Our strength is rooted in our differences and our ability to worship freely.   There is no room in our communities or in our hearts for this evil.  Not today, not tomorrow, never.”