NY Democratic Delegation Statement Condemning Vandalism of Rep. Espaillat’s District Office

New York, NY - Today, Representatives Jerrold Nadler, Hakeem Jeffries, Jamaal Bowman, Yvette Clarke, Dan Goldman, Tim Kennedy, Gregory Meeks, Grace Meng, Joe Morelle, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Pat Ryan, Tom Suozzi, Paul Tonko, Ritchie Torres, and Nydia Velázquez issued the following statement:

"As Democratic Members of Congress, we believe in the freedom to peacefully assemble and protest as a fundamental right of our great nation. Each day, we work tirelessly to uphold this freedom for all Americans.

"However, when protests become violent, with actions that cross the line into acts of vandalism, they are no longer protests; they become crimes. These acts of intimidation are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

"Over the past month, the office of Congressman Adriano Espaillat has been attacked and vandalized several times. This targeted vandalism puts constituents and congressional staffers alike in harm's way, disrupting congressional operations and social services that constituents depend on.

"The latest outrageous vandalism occurred on a day of solemn reflection to mark one year since Hamas terrorists attacked Israel, murdering 1,200 civilians, including over 40 American citizens, and taking 251 hostages, including 12 Americans.

"Our delegation stands united in publicly condemning acts of violence, harassment, and intimidation. Together, we will keep working to ensure all perpetrators of such targeted acts against Congressman Espaillat, or any congressional office for that matter, are held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8, 2024

CONTACT: Matt Jansen (202) 494-1278

New York, NY - Today, Representatives Jerrold Nadler, Hakeem Jeffries, Jamaal Bowman, Yvette Clarke, Dan Goldman, Tim Kennedy, Gregory Meeks, Grace Meng, Joe Morelle, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Pat Ryan, Tom Suozzi, Paul Tonko, Ritchie Torres, and Nydia Velázquez issued the following statement:

"As Democratic Members of Congress, we believe in the freedom to peacefully assemble and protest as a fundamental right of our great nation. Each day, we work tirelessly to uphold this freedom for all Americans.

"However, when protests become violent, with actions that cross the line into acts of vandalism, they are no longer protests; they become crimes. These acts of intimidation are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

"Over the past month, the office of Congressman Adriano Espaillat has been attacked and vandalized several times. This targeted vandalism puts constituents and congressional staffers alike in harm's way, disrupting congressional operations and social services that constituents depend on.

"The latest outrageous vandalism occurred on a day of solemn reflection to mark one year since Hamas terrorists attacked Israel, murdering 1,200 civilians, including over 40 American citizens, and taking 251 hostages, including 12 Americans.

"Our delegation stands united in publicly condemning acts of violence, harassment, and intimidation. Together, we will keep working to ensure all perpetrators of such targeted acts against Congressman Espaillat, or any congressional office for that matter, are held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

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U.S. Representative Jerrold Nadler represents New York's 12th Congressional District, which includes parts of Manhattan, and serves as the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee.