Statement from NYC Mayoral Candidate
Dianne Morales Condeming Domestic Terrorism

In grief and anger, I share that I’m condemning the actions that took place in the U.S. Capitol today. This morning was tinged with the light of possibility after the wins of immense Black organizing in Georgia, only to be overshadowed by the insurrection of those who would deny Black and Brown people the ability to engage equally in democracy. These reactions are inextricably linked. This country is rooted in the denial of Black freedom, that has, in turn oppressed the liberation of so many.

It’s no surprise that the police today did not protect our Capitol or democracy. We do not need to imagine that a Black or Brown crowd of people would have been treated differently: we see the difference every day. Just yesterday, our “justice” system failed to bring charges against officers who shot a Black man in the back SEVEN times, while today, in contrast, thousands of white supremacist terrorists were able to directly threaten, break into, and storm the Capitol building with minimal resistance. Our nation can no longer normalize brutality towards actual protesters demanding for justice and humanity of Black lives, immigrant communities and Indigenous persons while ignoring the blatant acts of violence from white supremacist terrorists. If this nation claims to be one staunch on law and order, then the law must apply to all equally. 

I hold DC in my heart tonight, as well as all Black and Brown New Yorkers and Americans who might be in the same state of despair and anger as I am tonight. The only cure for our democracy right now is to fight for one that is just, equitable and reflective of the majority of us. And the true test of our democracy is whether we are brave enough to truly be the land of the free--and hold those accountable who attempt to deny that virtue, whether at the ballot or by the bullet. We will not be intimidated by violence, and from this moment we will derive renewed courage to stand against the structures protected by organized violence. And while we are shocked, may this moment not take our eyes off of what has been achieved: Georgia elected a Black man and a Jewish man to represent them in the United States Senate. And throughout this nation, cities and states are truly making their voices heard and are choosing the future. 

We, the People, are rising. And no amount of hate can stop us.