U.S. Attorney Joins Community Leaders at Two Weekend Events to Remember Victims in San Bernardino and Stand Against Hate

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner joined community leaders at two events this weekend designed to promote unity and peace in the wake of the mass shooting in San Bernardino.

On Friday, December 18, 2015, U.S. Attorney Wagner participated in a panel held by the Tarbiya Institute in Rocklin. “Rising to the Challenge: An Urgent Community Dialogue” was an opportunity for Muslim community members to express their concerns and to learn how best to respond to challenging situations. U.S. Attorney Wagner described the government’s response to the increase in incidents of vandalism, threats and property damage directed at Muslim organizations and individuals.

On Saturday, U.S. Attorney Wagner joined other officials and a diverse assembly of community and faith leaders at the “Unity & Peace Rally in Support of San Bernardino and Against Hate” held at the Capitol in Sacramento. In the aftermath of the San Bernardino shooting, hundreds gathered at the Capitol steps to show their support for the victims to denounce ant-Muslim bigotry, and to pray for peace and unity.

“In the face of a terrorist attack, we should demonstrate unity as Americans, not division. We should embrace our tradition of tolerance and religious pluralism, not turn on our neighbors,” said U.S. Attorney Wagner. “One of the most important functions of the U.S. Department of Justice is to protect the rights of religious minorities. In the wake of terrorist incidents in Europe and here in California, there has been an increase in reports of threats, harassment and other incidents of attempted intimidation of members of American Muslim communities. Targeting others for violence or intimidation because of their religious affiliation is itself an act of terrorism, and we will not hesitate to prosecute those who engage in such conduct.”

Recently DOJ’s Head of the Civil Rights Division Vanita Gupta delivered remarks at the White House’s convening of “Celebrating and Protecting America’s Tradition of Religious Pluralism.” For a link to the text of her remarks click here.