In response to the brutal attack on Empire star Jussie Smollett – who was hospitalized after being approached by two men who assaulted him, called him a faggot n****r and poured an “unknown substance” on him before one of them wrapped a rope around his neck – politicians took to twitter to respond.
Sen. Kamala Harris: @JussieSmollett is one of the kindest, most gentle human beings I know. I’m praying for his quick recovery… This was an attempted modern day lynching. No one should have to fear for their life because of their sexuality or color of their skin. We must confront this hate.
Sen. Kirsten Gellibrand: This is a sickening and outrageous attack, and horribly, it’s the latest of too many hate crimes against LGBTQ people and people of color. We are all responsible for condemning this behavior and every person who enables or normalizes it. Praying for Jussie and his family.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren: Racism, homophobia, & all forms of bigotry & hate have no place in this country. The fight for equality isn’t over – no one should have to live in fear of being beaten on the street because of who they are.
Sen. Cory Booker: The vicious attack on actor Jussie Smollett was an attempted modern-day lynching. I’m glad he’s safe. To those in Congress who don’t feel the urgency to pass our Anti-Lynching bill designating lynching as a federal hate crime– I urge you to pay attention.
