[Editor’s Note: Mr. Ridley-Thomas, a Democrat, represents Culver City and the Crenshaw District in the state Assembly.]
America’s sixth-worst mass shooting occurred in California yesterday. As more details about this senseless act of violence emerge, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.
I stand with my colleagues in the Legislature, Assemblywoman Cheryl Brown, Assemblyman Marc Steinorth, and Sen. Mike Morrell, who represent San Bernardino. I commend the dispatchers, firefighters, emergency medical transporters, on-site healthcare professionals, and hospitals for the care they provided to the victims.
I am grateful for the bravery of the law enforcement officers who pursued the suspected perpetrators.
We live in a safe and free society. But occurrences such as this happen too often.
Remain vigilant when you are in public places. Report suspicious activity to law enforcement.
If you or a loved one needs assistance, contact the Victims Compensation and Government Claims Board at 800.777.9229. The Board administers the California Victim Compensation Program, which can help victims in need pay for medical expenses, counseling, rehabilitation, and other costs related to this crime.
