Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas shared his thoughts after the May 14 mass shooting in Buffalo, N.Y.
The statement was issued the day after the incident in a Department of Homeland Security news release.
"Our nation mourns the loss of life caused by the horrific shooting in Buffalo, N.Y." he said in the release. "Our hearts break for the families and friends of the victims, and we stand with them and the entire Black community that was targeted by this hateful act of violence."
He added the department will continue to work "to combat violent extremism, including racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism," which is reportedly one of the "most significant terrorism-related threats to the homeland," according to the release.
"Make no mistake: when one community is targeted, we are all targeted," Mayorkas said in his statement. "This country stands as one, and we will combat violent extremism as one."
According to the release, Mayorkas reported the department is "devoting every available resource to combat all forms of terrorism and targeted violence to keep our communities safe and secure."
