PBA President Issues Statement on Presumed Racially Motivated Killings in Buffalo, New York

HARRISBURG (May 18, 2022) – Pennsylvania Bar Association President Jay N. Silberblatt has issued this statement as a result of the May 14 killing of 10 people in a presumed racist mass shooting in Buffalo, New York:

“As a country founded on the rule of law, violence cannot be tolerated. Violence resulting in the death and injury of innocent people because of their race is abhorrent and cannot be tolerated.

As an association of lawyers and judges, we offer our support and stand in solidarity with all civilized Americans and particularly the African American community who is suffering so profoundly in Buffalo, New York.

“As a civilized society, we must come together and again clearly and loudly proclaim that there is no place for hateful actions of any kind based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion and sexual orientation.  

“We also speak out to acknowledge that none of us should ever be diminished or threatened, or, far worse, have our lives extinguished, by actions based in hate.

“As a civilized society, hate can never be a reason for our actions, especially acts of violence. The increasing number of hate crimes are a growing concern in our entire country. Elected officials, teachers, and even our judiciary are under increased threat because of the growing scourge of violence.

"Such horrendous acts of violence as those in Buffalo cannot be tolerated and remind us that we must continue to speak out against them.

“Those of us in the legal profession stand together in respect for the rule of law and to protect the rights of every person. We know that all people depend on our clear and loud voices condemning hateful acts and violence of all kinds.”

Founded in 1895, the Pennsylvania Bar Association strives to promote justice, professional excellence and respect for the law; improve public understanding of the legal system; facilitate access of legal services; and serve the lawyer members of the state’s largest organized bar association.