Washington, D.C. – Over the weekend, a gunman opened fire and killed three Black people at a Dollar General Store in Jacksonville, Florida. A Federal hate crime investigation is underway as the attack seems motivated by white nationalist ideologies, evident from the deliberate targeting of the local Black community and the presence of white nationalist manifestos and symbols. The attack underscores the unsettling trend of racist hate and violence, while highlighting the deadly impact of racist rhetoric and policies.
Juanita Monsalve, Senior Marketing & Creative Director of United We Dream Action said:
“Our thoughts are with the families of those killed in Jacksonville over the weekend. This is another reminder of the real and devastating impact that white nationalist rhetoric and policies have on our communities and the lives of Black and brown people. This dangerous racist rhetoric has resulted in tragic mass shootings in places like Allen, Texas, El Paso, Texas, and Buffalo, New York.
These racist attacks go beyond isolated incidents, embodying a broader narrative rooted in years of disseminated right-wing propaganda, white nationalist conspiracy theories, and racist rhetoric embraced by the far-right. Unfortunately, some political leaders persist in echoing these ideas for political gain, even as the deadly repercussions of such ideologies unfold before us. We must collectively raise our voices and demand an end to this senseless rhetoric and the harmful policies it perpetuates. Failing to act means our Black and brown communities will continue to bear the unbearable toll of these tragic consequences, and makes all of us less safe.”