[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 23342]
[From the U.S. 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 January 16, 
2002 in Atlanta, GA. According to police, Michael Keith Bargeron 
intentionally hit Keishuna Young, 15, with his car because she is 
black. Bargeron yelled racial slurs at Keishuna and her friend as he 
drove by in his car. Seconds later, he turned around and tried to ram 
her with his car. Keishuna sustained multiple injuries when she rolled 
off the car onto the pavement.
  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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