(WASHINGTON, DC)–Representatives Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Charles Rangel (D-NY), John Salazar (D-CO) and Mike Honda (D-CA), issued the following statement on the Thursday massacre of six Colombian miners:

"We have learned that on Thursday, October 18, a group of men armed with machetes brutally killed six Afro-Colombian gold miners as they worked in the Department of Chocó.

"Six innocent lives were taken yesterday in an intolerable attack. We stand with the community of Chocó as it seeks justice and mourns this painful loss of life. We extend our deepest sympathy to the community and the families of the men who lost their lives in this brutal massacre.

"It is our understanding that the Colombian government has its police force, military and judicial agencies working together to apprehend the perpetrators of this atrocity and bring them to justice. We will continue to work closely with the U.S. embassy and the Government of Colombia to urge swift and decisive action.

"Quick action will signal to the world that Colombia will not allow the massacres and intimidation that have forced millions of Colombians from their homes to continue. We admire the strength and resiliency of the Afro-Colombian community that has endured the crossfire in more than four decades of conflict in the remote areas of Colombia. We will continue to support their efforts as they push to rid their communities of heinous violence."[End]

###