Pass SC Hate Crimes Act After Donald Trump Shooting

We all watched in horror as a young gunman attempted to end the life of former United States President Donald Trump.

What relief we felt that he had not been killed, and what despair we felt when we heard that an innocent bystander had lost his life and that others had been seriously injured.

I feel and share our collective grief that our country has become so divided and violent.

However, I am very encouraged by the reminders that people express in their public speeches and conversations that we still have a common desire for unity.

Our leaders in South Carolina have all expressed their desire to come together in recent days. Former UN Ambassador and Governor Nikki Haley said, “Right now, we have an opportunity to put aside our differences and focus on what unites us and makes our country stronger.”

Senator Tim Scott said, “But let me say it again: America is not a racist country. No, we are not.”

US Senator Lindsey Graham said after the assassination attempt that he was grateful for “the opportunity to be here and talk about what’s best for America.”

I know these officials truly want a better path for our country and a renewed commitment to our highest ideals, and I want to publicly and respectfully ask that Ambassador Haley, Senator Graham, and Senator Scott join me in building the political will to introduce hate crimes legislation in our home state.

We have come very close to achieving this goal in the General Assembly. Now more than ever, working toward common ground can be unifying, healing, and restorative for our spirit.

People in America and our beloved Palmetto State have diverse beliefs, backgrounds, and worldviews, but I know we all strive to live in communities that radiate love and stand against hate.

I am confident that with a joint bipartisan effort, our state can stand united and proud with the rest of the region and 48 other states in banning hate crimes.

I stand ready to work with both parties and begin the next legislative session anew to craft a bill that we can all agree will unite our state in the fight against hate.