Response of Tim Kaine (D-Va.)

1. "Yes, the rise of hate crimes is an undeniable threat to the safety of Virginia communities. In 2017, violent white supremacists brought their hate to the Commonwealth when they marched through the streets of Charlottesville shouting anti-Semitic chants and murdered Heather Heyer. We’ve seen swastikas drawn on Jewish community centers, threats against Black high school students, hatred toward immigrants, and crimes against LGBTQ people in our communities. Those of us in leadership need to stand up against hate and do everything in our power to support those who are hurt by it. " 2. "It’s more important than ever that we take action to combat hate and the growing threat of white supremacist violence. I’m pushing Congress to pass two bills I introduced – The Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act to enhance the federal government’s efforts to prevent domestic terrorism and the Khalid Jabara-Heather Heyer NO HATE Act to improve hate crimes reporting and support victims of hate crimes." The events that took place in Charlottesville two summers ago can be seen as a national microcosm for hatred and white supremacy, in what ways do you think locally, state, and federally Virginia can be a national leader on addressing and preventing hate crimes? "Virginians have seen too many horrific acts of hate, including when white supremacists descended upon Charlottesville and murdered Heather Heyer. We owe it to Heather and all who have been victims of hate crimes to lead the way on combating hate. I’m proud of how so many Virginians have stood up against racism and bigotry in the past few years, and I’ll continue to fight for a more inclusive Commonwealth. On the federal level, I’m going to keep working to pass The Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act and the Khalid Jabara-Heather Heyer NO HATE Act to combat the growing threat of hate crimes. At the state level, the General Assembly should examine legislation to combat hate crimes and local leaders should evaluate whether their communities have the resources in place to foster a safe and tolerant environment. With the recent 50% surge in hate crimes in Virginia, leaders at all levels of government need to work together to address this threat."