UnidosUS Condemns Violent Attack on Speaker and Paul Pelosi

WASHINGTON, DC— UnidosUS, the nation’s largest Latino civil rights and advocacy organization, condemns the politically motivated attack targeting House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and resulting in grievous harm to her husband. Sonia Pérez, Acting CEO and Chief Operating Officer of UnidosUS issued the following statement:

“Our thoughts are with Speaker Pelosi’s family during this difficult time. UnidosUS stands with the vast majority of Americans in condemning any type of violence. We strongly condemn violence against public servants and their families, in particular.

“This attack stands in stark contrast with the millions of voters energizing our democracy through their civic participation. In the tradition of our democracy and as the nation’s largest Latino civil rights organization, we reject any act aimed at creating fear around participating peacefully in our country’s political life.

“Words have consequences. And hateful words have hateful consequences. Those who are providing the fuel that is resulting in this type of violence need to be held responsible.

“We as a civil society have agency in protecting our democracy and one another. From holding elected officials and leaders accountable for their words and others for their silence; to advocating for regulations that stem the proliferation of disinformation, hate and radicalization in digital and other platforms; to supporting each other, participating in our democracy, and reporting intimidation. No community is immune from the consequences of hate and it will take all communities to fight it. Democracy belongs to us, regardless of political party, and it’s on all of us to protect it.”