PolicyBrief
S.RES. 288
119th CongressJan 7th 2026
A resolution condemning the rise in ideologically motivated attacks on Jewish individuals in the United States, including the recent violent assault in Boulder, Colorado, and reaffirming the commitment of the Senate to combating antisemitism and politically motivated violence.
SENATE PASSED

This resolution condemns recent ideologically motivated attacks against Jewish individuals in the U.S., including the Boulder assault, and reaffirms the Senate's commitment to combating antisemitism and political violence.

Dave McCormick
R

Dave McCormick

Senator

PA

LEGISLATION

Senate Resolution Condemns Violent Attacks on Jewish Community, Reaffirms Commitment to Combating Antisemitism

This Senate resolution isn't about enacting new laws or spending money; it’s about making a clear, public statement. Essentially, it serves as a formal condemnation of the recent rise in ideologically motivated violence targeting Jewish individuals and institutions across the U.S. It’s the legislative branch saying, "This is unacceptable, and we see what’s happening."

The Official Condemnation: Calling Out Specific Acts

The resolution specifically calls out several recent, high-profile attacks that the text identifies as targeted, ideologically motivated acts of violence. This includes the violent assault at the “Run for Their Lives” gathering in Boulder, Colorado, on June 1, 2025, which caused multiple injuries. It also condemns the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staff members in Washington, DC, and the arson attack at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence in April 2025. By naming these specific incidents, the Senate is making it clear that these aren’t isolated crimes, but part of a disturbing pattern of aggression against Jewish individuals and institutions.

What This Means for Everyday Safety

Since this is a resolution, it doesn't change the legal code, but it does send a powerful signal. For regular folks, especially those who belong to targeted communities, this is the Senate reaffirming a core American value: that no one should face violence or intimidation because of their religion, heritage, or peaceful advocacy. The text explicitly states that acts of antisemitism are “fundamentally incompatible with the values of the United States.”

Crucially, the resolution “Calls on Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies to ensure thorough investigation and prosecution of all such incidents.” This is the Senate urging police, prosecutors, and the FBI to treat these cases with the highest priority and rigor. For a community group planning a public event or a family attending services, this provides a measure of political backing for law enforcement to dedicate resources to their protection and the swift prosecution of those who threaten them.

The Call for Public Action

The resolution also focuses on leadership, urging "elected officials, community leaders, and civil society to speak out against antisemitism and politically motivated violence in all forms." This is a push for public figures—from mayors to school board members to business leaders—to actively and unequivocally oppose hate. While this doesn't change your daily commute, it sets a standard for civic dialogue, aiming to make it less acceptable for antisemitic language and threats to fester in public life. In short, this resolution is a strong, non-binding statement of moral and political intent, condemning violence and pushing for accountability and public condemnation of hate.