SAMMAMISH — On Wednesday morning, residents of the Klahanie neighborhood of Sammamish awoke to hateful, racist graffiti sprayed on a number of houses. In the wake of these crimes, Representatives Bill Ramos and Lisa Callan have issued statements condemning the actions.
Statement from Rep. Lisa Callan:
“We are saddened by the hateful and racist graffiti that was spray-painted on our neighbor’s homes in Sammamish on Tuesday night. Our communities value diversity and inclusion and we will not stand for hate. This type of crime is all too common in our country right now. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, hate groups in the U.S. have grown by 30% over the last four years. Hate crimes are a serious problem and we need to take action now.”
Statement from Rep. Bill Ramos:
“These actions are not acceptable. That is why we are united in supporting House Bill 1732, which strengthens hate crimes language in state law and creates a work group that will study ways to help law enforcement fight against hate crimes. I am proud of the way the community has stood together to send this clear message. Hate will not survive in a strong community such as ours.”