[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 56 (Tuesday, March 28, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S1003]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 127--CONDEMNING THE HORRIFIC SCHOOL SHOOTING AT THE 
     COVENANT SCHOOL IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, AS A HATE CRIME, AND 
  RECOGNIZING THE VICTIMS AND EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES TO THEIR FAMILIES

  Mr. HAWLEY submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 127

       Whereas, on March 27, 2023, a deranged individual 
     tragically and violently opened fire at The Covenant School, 
     a religious institution in Nashville, Tennessee, that is part 
     of the Covenant Presbyterian Church;
       Whereas this heinous act resulted in the death of 3 
     innocent students, namely Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, 
     and William Kinney;
       Whereas 3 dedicated school employees, Cynthia Peak, 
     Katherine Koonce, and Michael Hill, also tragically lost 
     their lives in the line of duty;
       Whereas Federal law explicitly prohibits violence against 
     people of the United States on the basis of religious 
     affiliation or belief;
       Whereas this reprehensible act of violence targeted a 
     Christian institution, its students, and its employees;
       Whereas the Senate acknowledges and honors the bravery and 
     sacrifice of the first responders, law enforcement officers, 
     and medical personnel who responded to this tragic event;
       Whereas the Senate extends its deepest condolences to the 
     families, friends, and loved ones of the victims and the 
     entire community of The Covenant School; and
       Whereas the Senate recognizes that the United States must 
     continue to work to prevent hate crimes, protect religious 
     liberties, and ensure the safety and security of all people 
     of the United States: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) strongly condemns the horrific act of violence that 
     occurred at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, on 
     March 27, 2023, and recognizes it as a hate crime targeting 
     Christians;
       (2) honors the memory of the victims, Evelyn Dieckhaus, 
     Hallie Scruggs, William Kinney, Cynthia Peak, Katherine 
     Koonce, and Michael Hill, and extends its heartfelt 
     condolences to their families, friends, and the entire 
     community of The Covenant School;
       (3) expresses gratitude and appreciation for the bravery 
     and selflessness displayed by the first responders, law 
     enforcement officers, and medical personnel who responded to 
     the tragic event;
       (4) calls on all people of the United States--
       (A) to unite in the face of such hatred and violence; and
       (B) to stand in solidarity with those who have been 
     affected by this tragedy;
       (5) condemns hateful rhetoric that leads to violence; and
       (6) reaffirms its commitment to uphold the values of 
     tolerance, religious freedom, and justice for all, as 
     enshrined in the Constitution of the United States.

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