Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, issued the following statement in response to the horrific antisemitic attack at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan:

             “My wife, Marie, and I are absolutely appalled by this barbaric act of violence directly targeting American Jews and their fundamental right of freedom of religion.

             “Antisemitic violence has no place in the United States—or anywhere else on the planet—and we must remain vigilant in our condemnation of antisemitism, through both word and action.

             “We are deeply grateful to the Temple’s security staff and West Bloomfield’s first responders, who acted quickly and effectively to disarm the active shooter, saving countless lives. It is because of their well-prepared and timely response that no casualties—other than the shooter—occurred.

             “We are also thankful to FBI Director Kash Patel, who spared no time in dispatching FBI personnel to the scene to assist local law enforcement.

             “I urge the appropriate local and federal authorities to leave no stone unturned, thoroughly investigate this terrifying attack, and continue to work to ensure the safety of America’s Jewish communities in Michigan and beyond.”

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