VIDEO: Peters Speaks on Senate Floor Following Grand Blanc Township Church Attack

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) spoke on the Senate floor following the tragic attack on the Church of Latter-Day Saints in Grand Blanc Township on Sunday. During his remarks, Peters honored the victims of this senseless act of violence and their loved ones.

“This was shocking, it was horrific, and it was a violent attack on a quiet and peaceful community. There are now families whose loved ones will never return their call, never hug them back, and never sit by their side as they practice their faith,” Peters said. “I’m devastated to share the ages of these individuals that ranged from just 6 years old to 78 years old. I simply can’t imagine the agony that their families are now experiencing. There are also eight other victims who remain in critical condition in the hospital with their families waiting anxiously by their side. My thoughts are with them as we hope and pray for a safe recovery.”

To watch the full video of Peters’ speech on the Senate floor, click here.

During the speech, Peters called for action to address the ongoing gun violence epidemic as well as the rise in violence specifically targeting churches, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship across the country.

“We cannot allow these patterns of violence to continue. We cannot simply accept these attacks like it’s another normal day. It is not,” Peters continued. “Now more than ever, we need to come together and hold each other up. And once we have grieved, we must work together to find solutions that will prevent this kind of tragedy from devastating more communities.”

Peters concluded by thanking the emergency responders and law enforcement officials in Michigan who heroically responded to this attack, as well those who protected their fellow congregation members in the moments following the attack.

“Michiganders are tough. Michiganders are resilient. But most importantly, they’re kind. And on Sunday, that kindness shown through as we saw so many people race to help in the aftermath of this appalling attack,” Peters said. “As we remember the victims, as we remember their loved ones, and the community members who are still grieving, I hope those actions not only provide some form of comfort, but also show that heroism and kindness in the face of unspeakable tragedy is truly who we are as Americans.”

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