Hi–

Almost ten years ago, my life changed when a white supremacist entered my
church in Charleston, South Carolina, and shot and killed 9 people,
including my mother and two of my cousins.

My mother and the others who were murdered were people of deep faith, with
a profound love of Emanuel AME Church. It's hard to describe the pain this
racist massacre caused our community on every level.

My family was torn apart by the strain of losing my mother. I was forced
to resign from my dream job. I sought professional, emotional, and
spiritual support—which continues to help me through grief.

Yet in the wake of the shooting, the FBI's investigation was instrumental
in helping our community heal and get accountability for this tragedy.

The FBI's mission is to protect the public from violent crime, including
gun violence and armed extremism. I'm worried that Donald Trump's nominee
for FBI Director, Kash Patel, would further enable the kind of violence
that we saw at Emanuel AME Church.

[ [link removed] ]Join me in urging the Senate to reject Kash Patel's nomination.

I know first-hand that the FBI needs a leader who prioritizes public
safety and denounces violent extremism.

Kash Patel is an inexperienced nominee who is backed by gun extremist
groups—and he shouldn't lead the FBI. [ [link removed] ]Send a message to tell your
senators to reject Patel's nomination.

I have two young Black grandchildren. I want them to have the opportunity
to be the best they can be—to thrive in this society without any barriers.
But that can't happen unless we have leaders who stand up against deadly
hate and work to keep our communities safe.

Thank you for taking action.

Reverend Sharon Risher


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