Reps. Bass, Smith introduce resolution condemning April 2nd terrorist attack at Kenyan University

Press Release

Congressmembers Karen Bass (D-Calif.) and Chris Smith (R-NJ)--Ranking Member and Chair of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations--today introduced H.Res. 216 condemning the heinous atrocities and terrorist attack that occurred on April 2, 2015, at Garissa University College in Garissa, Kenya that killed 147 people, offering condolences to the friends, families and loved ones of those who were killed, and reaffirming the United States' support for the people and government of Kenya.

"Kenya is our partner and ally, and these attacks rightly shook us because al-Shabaab killed students who were working to better their own lives and whose only crime was their faith," said Rep. Bass. "The Kenyan people have seen far too much violence and senseless killing of innocent civilians. However, as horrid as this attack was, it would have been far worse without the brave Kenyan citizens, first responders, and the Kenya Red Cross who came to the rescue of those caught in the attack."

"Kenyans have been brutally victimized since the 1998 U.S. Embassy bombing by local members of the Egyptian Islamic Jihad group," Rep. Smith said. "The September 2013 al-Shabaab attack on Nairobi's Westgate Mall, in which 67 people were murdered and another 175 wounded, had been the deadliest terror attack in Kenyan history. Unfortunately, this terrorist group promises to wreak further death and destruction on the Kenyan people, who must be ready to respond with our support."

Kenya is one of the United States' most important allies in east Africa. Following Kenya's independence from the United Kingdom on December 12, 1963, the United States immediately recognized the new nation and moved to establish diplomatic relations. Today, the United States and Kenya are members of many of the same international organizations including the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the World Trade Organization.

Twenty-eight members of Congress from both parties joined the Reps. Smith and Bass in introducing the resolution as original co-sponsors.

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