Strongly condemning the recent acts of violence, riots, and looting in the United States.

IV 116TH CONGRESS 2D SESSION H. RES. 1002 Strongly condemning the recent acts of violence, riots, and looting in the United States. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES JUNE 15, 2020 Mr. GUEST submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Strongly condemning the recent acts of violence, riots, and looting in the United States. Whereas in the wake of the tragic death of George Floyd on Monday, May 25, 2020, peaceful protests began across the United States focused on justice for African-Amer- ican victims of police misconduct; Whereas these peaceful protests are protected by the Con- stitution of the United States through an individual’s First Amendment rights of freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, and petitioning the Government concerning grievances; Whereas what began as peaceful demonstrations, have been exploited by violent extremists who have carried out acts of violence, looting, destruction of business and personal VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:32 Jun 16, 2020 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR1002.IH HR1002 pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS 2 •HRES 1002 IH property, and additional loss of life, including the delib- erate targeting of law enforcement officers; Whereas due to the actions of violent extremists, certain gov- ernment functions have been temporarily closed, busi- nesses have been forced to be shuttered, and livelihoods have been impacted; Whereas these acts of violence are considered criminal activ- ity; and Whereas these actions take our focus as a country away from a safe and civil dialogue on issues of importance to our Nation: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 1 (1) strongly condemns the violence, riots, and 2 looting in the United States; 3 (2) recognizes that violent opportunists use the 4 cover of legitimate protests by their fellow citizens to 5 sow chaos; 6 (3) recognizes that the actions of those bent on 7 violence does not diminish the rights of other Ameri- 8 cans to peacefully protest; 9 (4) urges peace and order to be restored; and 10 (5) expresses that those responsible for these 11 violent acts be held criminally responsible for their 12 actions. 13 Æ VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:32 Jun 16, 2020 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6301 E:\BILLS\HR1002.IH HR1002 pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS