October 2, 2017 - Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, families and everyone who witnessed the tragic events and acts of terrorism in Edmonton, Las Vegas and Marseille over the weekend.

“We need to be united and come together to stand up against terrorism, hate and racism,” says Lee Riggs, National President of USW Local 1944. 

We thank our police officers, paramedics, and firefighters who put their lives on the line to keep us safe.

Here is what we know:

• Edmonton: On Saturday night, a speeding car rammed through a barrier near Commonwealth Stadium striking a police officer. The driver then got out, pulled out a knife and began stabbing the officer multiple times. The driver then fled the scene leading to a pursuit with police. The driver purposely drove into pedestrians causing multiple injuries. It appears that this was a single individual acting alone. The incident is being treated as a terror attack. Our thoughts go out to our 1,000 members who live in the Edmonton area.
• Marseille: Two women were stabbed to death on Sunday at the Saint-Charles train station in Marseille, France. The incident is being treated as another terror attack. There are reports that the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is claiming responsibility.
• Las Vegas: Last night, a gunman opened fire from the 32nd floor of a Las Vegas Strip casino on an outdoor country music festival. The gunman has killed at least 58 people and injured more than 500 as thousands of concert-goers frantically ran for their lives. This attack is being called the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history. The gunman was found dead in his hotel room with at least 10 rifles.

Our thoughts are with the hundreds of Steelworkers working in Las Vegas as well as the members of the Staff Representatives’ Union (SRU), the union representing Staff Representatives, Organizers, Researchers and Technicians employed by the United Steelworkers, who are meeting this week in Las Vegas. 

“We strongly condemn these attacks and encourage all USW Local 1944 members to be extra vigilant in their communities,” said National President Lee Riggs. “We know that hate, fear and racism can only increase chances for future attacks. More than ever, we support communication between our beloved communities and we believe that diversity will always be stronger than division.”

In Solidarity,

United Steelworkers Local 1944