Rep. Harley Rouda Releases Statement in Response to Protests Featuring Nazi Imagery

LAGUNA BEACH, CA,  May 28, 2020 — Today, Congressman Harley Rouda released the following statement reacting to recent protests in Orange County that attacked public officials using Nazi imagery.

“During the coronavirus crisis, there has been a spike in Nazi imagery and white supremacist language across Orange County. It is inexcusable.

In recent years, Orange County has experienced the gut-wrenching outcomes of un-restrained anti-Semitism and xenophobia. Our community witnessed the murder of a promising young man, watched high schoolers perform Nazi salutes, and are now seeing protestors intimidate and liken public health officials to Hitler.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “There comes a time when silence is betrayal.” I will never betray Orange County’s Jewish and communities of color by staying silent. This behavior is wrong and dangerous. Period.

I will continue fighting in Congress to pass legislation like the “Never Again Education Act” and question experts confronting white supremacy on the most effective ways to stop these hateful actions.”