PRINTER'S NO. 1249
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
209
Session of
2019
INTRODUCED BY DAWKINS, JOHNSON-HARRELL, BIZZARRO, KORTZ,
HOHENSTEIN, WARREN, DONATUCCI, HENNESSEY, ZABEL, HARKINS,
SHUSTERMAN, HARRIS, COX, CEPHAS, DiGIROLAMO, MILLARD,
T. DAVIS, CALTAGIRONE, STURLA, FIEDLER, WILLIAMS, FRANKEL,
ISAACSON, MARKOSEK, BURGOS, BROWN, McNEILL, HILL-EVANS,
O'MARA, DAVIDSON, SAPPEY, DeLUCA, LONGIETTI, SCHLOSSBERG,
ULLMAN, YOUNGBLOOD, MURT, PASHINSKI, COMITTA, THOMAS,
SAINATO, SCHLEGEL CULVER, FREEMAN, McCLINTON AND CIRESI,
APRIL 8, 2019
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
APRIL 8, 2019
A RESOLUTION
Paying tribute to those who lost their lives during the
terrorist attack at the mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.
WHEREAS, At approximately 1:40 p.m. on Friday, March 15,
2019, a gunman entered a Christchurch, New Zealand city mosque
with a semi-automatic weapon and opened fire on people inside
during Jumu'ah prayer; and
WHEREAS, The gunman then proceeded to a second mosque and
continued on his murderous rampage; and
WHEREAS, The gunman shot and killed a total of 50 people and
seriously injured 50 others; and
WHEREAS, The attack is New Zealand's worst terror attack and
deadliest mass shooting and incident of violence against the
Muslim community in its history; and
WHEREAS, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described
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the horror as a terrorist attack, saying it was perpetrated by
suspects with "extremist views" that had no place in her country
or the wider world; and
WHEREAS, Stories of the bravery of those inside the mosques
have revealed that some acted as heroes in an attempt to shield
family members and fellow worshipers, with one worshiper
actually chasing the gunman away from the first mosque, thus
preventing further loss of life; and
WHEREAS, The terrorist attack appeared to have been carried
out by a white nationalist who posted a racist manifesto online
and streamed live video of the killings; and
WHEREAS, A 28-year-old man from Australia was charged with
murder, and New Zealand police have said he would face
additional charges and were considering charging him under the
country's Terrorism Suppression Act 2002; and
WHEREAS, With an immense outpouring of support from all over
the world, people have shown they value the lives and
contributions of those of all religions and advocate love and
acceptance over hate and ignorance; and
WHEREAS, The House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania denounces the killing of innocent people and the
use of violence to express hate and inflict terror; therefore be
it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania pay tribute to those who lost their
lives during the terrorist attack at the mosques in
Christchurch, New Zealand; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania extend its deepest condolences to
the families and friends of the victims; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania acknowledge the efforts of the
emergency responders and law enforcement officers who risked
their lives to protect their community as well as all those who
sought to help victims during and after the shootings; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania express its strong support for the
survivors of the terrorist attack as well as all the residents
of Christchurch, New Zealand in their recovery and healing; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania commit to doing what it can to
combat the proliferation of hate, terror and violence in our
communities and in our Commonwealth; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, 658 New North Road, Morningside,
Auckland, New Zealand.
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