Hoyer Statement on Terrorist Attack in France

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement condemning today’s terrorist attack against Charlie Hebdo magazine in Paris, France:

"I join in standing with the people of Paris and our oldest ally France in the wake of the tragic and heinous attack against the office of the Charlie Hebdo magazine this morning. Freedom of expression requires accepting the presence of views one disagrees with, not resorting to violence in order to silence them through fear. A free press is the surest guarantor of liberty and accountable leaders, and we cannot allow terrorists to threaten this fundamental component of democracy.  France and the United States were among the first nations in which the principle of free expression was enshrined in basic law, and the attack today will only strengthen our shared resolve to protect and celebrate them - and to ensure that the perpetrators of today's attack are brought to justice."