Statement on Heggen’s Silence on Buffalo and Replacement Theory

 

Democratic candidate for Saratoga County District Attorney released the following statement this afternoon on the current District Attorney’s silence on the domestic terrorism hate crimes that took place in Buffalo this weekend and the replacement theory that fueled the murders of ten Black residents of Buffalo.

“As a former United States Marine, I understand the concept of loyalty. You stand by those who fight with you. All those who served and all lawyers admitted to the Bar in New York State, also take an oath to defend the U.S. Constitution and all it represents. The concept of “Equal Justice Under Law” is the primary value to be defended. As an attorney, you have a duty to defend the Constitution. As a District Attorney, the top law enforcement official in the county, you have an affirmative obligation to stand for what is right, defend and protect all the Americans in your jurisdiction and speak out without fear or favor when the truth is overlooked for expediency’s sake.

“The absence of a statement by Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen on the events in Buffalo this past weekend is unacceptable. Not even the standard “thoughts and prayers” message came from the top law enforcement official in Saratoga County, regarding a despicable hate crime committed in a one of the most diverse states in America. Also, where is her commitment to justice when it comes to local political rhetoric on the divisive, white supremacist rhetoric trash of “replacement theory?”

“Americans recognize “replacement theory” as simply the 2022 version of “No Irish or Italians or Jews or Blacks or Asians or Spanish Need Apply”. Americans also recognize that each immigrant group has taken its place in America and all the white supremacist whining in the world will not change that proud American tradition. White supremacists in America are on the wrong side of history and will end up on its ash heap along with all the other empty hate-based ideologies.

“Karen Heggen’s silence on this is of her own making and sends a clear message to Saratoga County residents that Heggen will not stand up against hate or push back against local elected officials, reminding them of their higher duty as Americans. She gives Congresswoman Elise Stefanik a free pass when it comes to her ugly rhetoric regarding immigration and a “permanent election insurrection,” yet continues to prosecute people of color for violations after minor criminal charges were dismissed by a highly competent City Court Judge.

‘My campaign is focused on bringing “one standard of justice” to Saratoga County. By any objective evaluation, Karen Heggen doesn’t seem to understand or value this pillar of our justice system.”