Mourning the Passing of Senator Lombardo

Floor Speech

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Mr. AMO. Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Magaziner for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I would like to associate myself with the comments made by my colleague to honor the life and legacy of Senator Frank Lombardo. His compassion, empathy, and purpose serving Rhode Islanders will be dearly missed. Shiloh Gospel Temple

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Mr. AMO. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the pain that our community is going through on Senator Lombardo's passing, but another issue involves the Shiloh Gospel Temple community. All of our families should be able to gather and worship free from the fear of harm. Our community in North Providence was attacked on February 11.

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 am glad a suspect has been identified, and I hope that justice will be vigorously pursued.

Madam Speaker, I yield back to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Magaziner).

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