So sad.
The
Human Rights Campaign and Equality Texas are urging the Department of
Justice and local law enforcement in Portland, Texas, to continue
investigating the shooting of a young lesbian couple in a park over the
weekend. The couple, ages 18 and 19 respectively, were found Saturday
and are believed to have been shot about nine hours earlier. The
shooting claimed the life of one of the young women; the other remains
in serious but stable condition following emergency surgery. The motive
of the shooting remains unclear.
HRC has reached out to local law enforcement officials as well as the
Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI. HRC President Chad Griffin
released the following statement:
“I want to express my sincerest condolences to the families and friends
of the victims of this horrific crime. Two young lesbian women were
shot and one lost her life. Regardless of the motivation behind this
tragedy, we must send a strong message that violence against anyone is
never acceptable. We have reached out to law enforcement officials at
both the federal and local level, and hope to see a thorough
investigation. These women, and all victims of violent crimes, deserve
nothing less.”
Equality Texas issued the following statement after speaking with DOJ’s Community Relations Service:
“Equality Texas joins with the Human Rights Campaign in urging a swift
and thorough investigation of this crime. We applaud the Department of
Justice Community Relations Service for quickly offering their
assistance. Community members are welcome to join a candlelight walk
and vigil this Friday, June 29 at 6 p.m. at Violet Andrews Park, 305
Wildcat, Portland, TX 78374.”