FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2023
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission condemns Jacksonville killings
Three people were killed during Saturday's hate crime
HARRISBURG, PA – The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) extends its condolences to the families of Angela Michelle Carr, A.J. Laguerre, and Jerrald Gallion, who were killed Saturday during a deadly hate crime shooting in Jacksonville, Florida. The PHRC and its commissioners condemn such racist and hateful actions and stand with the survivors and the grieving community.
"Angela, A.J., and Jerrald were targeted for one reason, the color of their skin," said PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW. "This atrocity is not a one-off, we have seen countless tragedies like this before, most recently in Charleston and Buffalo. It is long past time for America to address its truth, white nationalism, xenophobia, white supremacy, and hatred for "the other" is killing the soul of America."
According to the ADL, U.S. White Supremacist propaganda remanded at historic levels in 2021 and according to the FBI, the top domestic violent extremist threat comes from racially or ethnically motived extremists.
Lassiter added, "these hate crimes should remind us that diversity is our strength and should be celebrated not vilified. The more we see each other as human beings and not 'others,' the more accepting we are to all."
"Hate has no place in our nation or our commonwealth," said PHRC Chair Joel Bolstein. "PHRC is here to support any community or group that is targeted, or experiences discrimination, hate, and bias. We will use our full enforcement authority against acts of discrimination, bigotry, and intolerance. PHRC calls upon everyone with a voice who is committed to justice and equality to stand strong against racism and hateful actions."
The PHRC, the state's leading civil rights enforcement agency, urges anyone who has experienced acts of discrimination or hate to file a complaint with the PHRC by calling 717-787-4410. If you are the victim of violence or if you witness an act of violence, you should call 911 immediately. Pennsylvania has Hate Crime and Ethnic Intimidation laws that protect and support victims. For more information and resources visit www.PHRC.pa.gov.