Amo and Magaziner Condemn Attack on Shiloh Gospel Temple on House Floor, Stand in Solidarity with RI’s Black Community

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Gabe Amo (RI-01) and Seth Magaziner (RI-02) spoke on the House floor to condemn an attack on Shiloh Gospel Temple, a predominantly Black church in North Providence, and stand in solidarity with Rhode Island’s Black community.

Earlier this month, a man attempted to force his way into Shiloh Gospel Temple and set fires outside of the building. Federal authorities have charged a suspect who had allegedly written violent and disturbing statements in his notebook, including “Hunt them down, gun everyone down who isn’t white” and “burn churches down to the ground.”

On the last day of Black History Month, Representatives Amo and Magaziner reiterated their support for the Black community in Rhode Island and across the nation, and recommitted to rooting out hate and violent extremism wherever it appears.

Watch the full floor speech HERE. A transcript of their remarks is below.

Amo:

“Our families should be able to gather and worship free from the fear of harm. Our community in North Providence was attacked on February 11th — that someone would set this community ablaze in a hate-fueled act shakes me to my core. I stand with Pastor Eric Perry and his congregation during this difficult time.

“The fact that this incident, this fire at the church happened at all, is despicable. That it happened during Black History Month is abhorrent. This allegedly racist attack has shaken our community. I'm glad a suspect has been identified and I hope that justice will be vigorously pursued. Thank you. And I yield back to Representative Magaziner.” 

Magaziner: 

“Thank you, Representative Amo. We stand united with the Shiloh Gospel Temple Congregation and Rhode Island's Black community in the face of this heinous attack.

“Churches are more than just places of worship. They are a place of refuge, of community. They are safe spaces, sacred spaces. And no one should fear going to their place of worship or anywhere for that matter, in particular because of their race. And let me be clear, This attack on Rhode Island's Black community is an attack on all of us. An attack on the principles and values that we believe in as Rhode Islanders.

“I'm thankful that a suspect was apprehended quickly and charged. But we must recognize that this is part of a larger trend — an alarming rise of white supremacist violence across the nation. We have seen too many racially motivated attacks across the country in recent years, from Buffalo to Jacksonville to Charleston.

“As Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do everything we can to root out domestic violent extremism in Rhode Island and across the country.

“Our hearts are with Pastor Perry and the entire Shiloh Gospel Temple Congregation. There is no place for hate in Rhode Island or anywhere. Thank you. And I yield back the remainder of my time.”