[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 89 (Friday, June 28, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S6316]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2001

 Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to speak 
about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in 
March of last year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new 
categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that 
violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society.
  I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred September 12, 
2001, in Boston, MA. Three teenagers, claiming they wanted to ``get 
back at Arabs,'' threw three Molotov cocktails onto a convenience store 
the day after the September 11 terrorist attacks. The teenagers thought 
that the store was owned by an Arab. The owner of the store, Aswin 
Patel, an Indian man, escaped unharmed. The three perpetrators face 
Federal hate crimes charges and have been charged with assault with 
intent to murder and arson.
  I believe that government's first duty is to defend its citizens, to 
defend them against the harms that come out of hate. The Local Law 
Enforcement Enhancement Act of 2001 is now a symbol that can become 
substance. I believe that by passing this legislation and changing 
current law, we can change hearts and minds as well.

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