Hartzler: I call on all Americans to help restore peace and security in our neighborhoods

(From Fourth District Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler)

Earlier this week, I joined my colleagues on the floor of the House of Representatives to underscore the importance of restoring law and order in our communities. I also paid tribute to David Dorn, a retired police captain from St. Louis who was killed amid the violence and rioting.

David had served his fellow citizens preserving the peace for over 38 years. He was a loyal friend, devoted husband and a beloved member of the St. Louis community. 

On the night of June 2nd, he volunteered to help a friend in need who owned a small business which was in danger of being destroyed by looters and rioters.

Tragically, David was fatally shot by violent protestors and left to die on the sidewalk. His execution was broadcast live on Facebook where his son watched at home. No arrests were made, his killer got away in the thick of the violence. Nothing about this “protest” was peaceful.

There are peaceful protests and I commend them. There is a national conversation that is needed to help ensure everyone feels safe in our communities. But what we are seeing night after night in many of cities are not peaceful protests, but rather, recurring scenes of criminals hijacking a legitimate cause to advance their own agenda. It must end.

We must work to bring peace back into our communities by restoring law and order and valuing our police officers by establishing clear, punitive consequences for those who insight violence. We must deter and stop those who insight riots in any capacity – from organizing and promoting a riot to participating or assisting those who do.

That’s why I am proud to support H.R. 8031, the David Dorn Act of 2020. This bill increases the maximum imprisonment penalty for rioting to 10 years and the minimum fine to $1,000, sending a clear message to rioters that their reckless actions have consequences.

I call on all Americans to be peacemakers and help restore peace and security to our neighborhoods. Now is our time of decision. Now is when we will choose which road we will go on. Now is the time to stand up and to defend what we know is best and true and right and what will truly bring security and peace to our neighborhoods.