Our hearts break for the four victims—including brave Jersey City Det. Joseph Seals—murdered in Jersey City, and their families, in yet another act of vicious anti-Semitic and police hatred.

Early evidence in the investigation suggests that the perpetrators of this appalling crime had at least sympathy for the hate group Black Hebrew Israelites—and is yet another wake-up call like the anti-Semitic slaughter in Pittsburgh that demands we redouble efforts to combat anti-Semitism.

Even though Jewish people comprise approximately 2 percent of the U.S. population, the disproportionate number of hate crimes against Jews is absolutely appalling. According to the 2018 FBI Hate Crimes Report, of all hate crimes motivated by religious bias, 57.8 percent were anti-Jewish.

We must be far more robust in respecting and supporting law enforcement. They are the line of demarcation—the wall—that separates our communities and families from criminal activity, all forms of violence and even anarchy.

Each of us must demand zero-tolerance for anti-Semitic and police hatred.

For the latest version of this statement, click on:

https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=406274

SOURCE Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ)