LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Today, Congressman Harley Rouda released the following statement reacting to recent protests in Orange County that attacked public officials using Nazi imagery.
“During the coronavirus crisis, there has been a spike in Nazi imagery and white supremacist language across Orange County. It is inexcusable.
In recent years, Orange County has experienced the gut-wrenching outcomes of un-restrained anti-Semitism and xenophobia. Our community witnessed the murder of a promising young man, watched high schoolers perform Nazi salutes, and are now seeing protestors intimidate and liken public health officials to Hitler.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “There comes a time when silence is betrayal.” I will never betray Orange County’s Jewish and communities of color by staying silent. This behavior is wrong and dangerous. Period.
I will continue fighting in Congress to pass legislation like the “Never Again Education Act” and question experts confronting white supremacy on the most effective ways to stop these hateful actions.”
For more information, please visit www.harleyforcongress.com.