[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 58 (Thursday, April 10, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S5163]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2001

  Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need for 
hate crimes legislation. In the last Congress, Senator Kennedy and I 
introduced the Local Law Enforcement Act, a bill that would add new 
categories to current hate crimes law, sending a signal that violence 
of any kind is unacceptable in our society.
  I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred September 19, 
2001, in Pittsburgh, PA. A 43-year-old man attacked a 22-year-old 
Pakistani-born university student. The student was walking home from 
classes when he was alarmed to see a stranger charging after him, his 
arms already swinging. As he punched and kicked the student, the 
attacker yelled, ``Are you from Afghanistan?'' and ``I'm going to kill 
you!'' A nearby construction worker managed to stop the attacker, who 
then fled.
  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 is 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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