Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata has voiced her support for a bipartisan resolution led by the Minnesota delegation to Congress, condemning political violence following an attack on two state legislators and their spouses. The resolution, H. Res. 519, spearheaded by Rep. Kelly Morrison (D-MN-03) with backing from all seven members of the delegation, including House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN-06), denounces the assaults in Brooklyn Park and Champlin, Minnesota.
“I was grieved to hear of this terrible attack while I was home in American Samoa. I support my Minnesota colleagues in this, and I appreciate the bipartisan spirit of this Resolution to express the sense of the full House of Representatives,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Americans reject political violence. Instead, we embrace constitutionally protected free dialogue, and advancing change through voting, advocacy, representation, and lawmaking.”
Reflecting on past incidents of political violence, Amata recalled the 2017 attack on Republican Members of Congress during preparations for a charitable baseball game where Majority Leader Steve Scalise was injured. She praised Capitol Police officers for their response during that event.
“I will never forget the shock of the news of the 2017 attack on Republican Members of Congress preparing for the yearly charitable congressional baseball game… Every time I drive to the Capitol, I pass right by that park, a reminder of that terrible event, but also a reminder of courage and resilience in the face of violence,” she stated.
Amata emphasized ongoing efforts to review security measures at Congress and expressed gratitude towards Capitol Police for their dedication to safety: “I support our leadership’s important efforts on stepping up and reviewing security measures…and I appreciate our Capitol Police who train to keep Members, staff and visitors to the Capitol safe.”
Her father, Uifa’atali Peter T. Coleman, served as part of the Capitol Police force before his tenure as Governor after World War II service.
