WASHINGTON– U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement regarding the terrorist attack on the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo that has killed at least 12, including two police officers.

“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the heinous attack on Charlie Hebdo. Violent attempts to silence free speech and expression are not only reprehensible, but are an affront to the democratic principles France and the United States so deeply value. The targeting of journalists is cowardly and inexcusable. I join the international community in sending my thoughts and prayers to the victims’ families and the people of France as they navigate this difficult time.

“The United States and our allies will never accept this type of senseless violence. Today, we recommit ourselves to defending the rule of law and countering extremism. Those responsible for this attack must be brought to justice.”

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