Klobuchar, Durbin, Lugar, Hoeven, Kyl Bipartisan Resolution Condemning Attacks in Norway Passes Senate Unanimously

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Richard Lugar (R-IN), John Hoeven (R-ND) and Jon Kyl (R-AZ) announced today that their bipartisan resolution condemning the horrific acts of violence in Norway has passed the Senate unanimously.  The resolution denounced the acts of terror and expressed deep sympathy and unwavering support for the Norwegian people as they recover from the tragedy.  All 95 other senators co-sponsored the resolution. 

“As the state with the largest number of people of Norwegian heritage outside of Norway itself, the shock of last week’s violence hits Minnesota close to home,” Klobuchar said.  “We must stand up to the hate that inspired these horrific actions and embrace the openness, freedom, and tolerance that has made our state, country, and Norway such vibrant places.” 

“The world reacted with shock and sadness to last week’s violent attacks,” Durbin said. “But that shock and sadness were matched with a sense of unity and support. The American people, and now the US Senate, stand united with our friends in Norway during this time of healing and in support of freedom, tolerance, and peace.”

 “We extend our greatest sympathies to families, friends and allies in Norway.  The bombings in Oslo and the shootings at a peaceful youth camp are beyond comprehension and outrage. We must continue working together as friends and allies with constant vigilance against known and unknown threats,” Lugar said.   

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all Norwegians, and especially the families of the victims, as they begin the long, difficult process of healing,” said Hoeven, who is a member of the U.S. Senate Norway Caucus. “Our unanimous resolution makes clear that the American people stand squarely behind the people of Norway during this challenging time.”

The attacks on government buildings in Oslo and a youth camp on Utøya Island on July 22, 2011, took at least 76 lives and injured as many as 96 people.