Rep. Young Kim, Bipartisan Colleagues Condemn Violent LA Riots, Stand with Law Enforcement and Peaceful Protestors – Congresswoman Young Kim (.gov)

House Resolution H.Res.516: Condemnation of Violence and Support for Law Enforcement in Los Angeles

Overview

On June 27, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.Res.516, led by Representative Young Kim (CA-40), condemning the violent riots that occurred earlier in Los Angeles. The resolution also commends law enforcement officers for their bravery in maintaining public safety during these events.

Key Points of the Resolution

1. Recognition of the constitutional right to assemble and protest peacefully.
2. Unequivocal condemnation of violence against Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers.
3. Call for collaboration between local, State, and Federal governments to end violent riots and restore peace.
4. Expression of gratitude to law enforcement officers for their dedication to community safety.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This resolution aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly:

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – By condemning violence and supporting law enforcement, the resolution promotes peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice, and effective institutions.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The call to restore peace and safety in communities supports the goal of making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Ensuring public safety contributes to the well-being of community members by reducing violence-related harm.

Statements from Congressional Leaders

• Congresswoman Young Kim: Emphasized the constitutional right to peaceful protest while condemning violence and vandalism. She highlighted the need to address California’s soft-on-crime policies and expressed gratitude to law enforcement officers. She also stressed the importance of focusing immigration enforcement on individuals with criminal records to enhance community safety.
• Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20): Supported the resolution as a commitment to restoring public safety and condemning violent acts that disrupt communities and harm law enforcement.
• Congressman Kevin Kiley (CA-03): Attributed the violence to sanctuary city policies and called for the repeal of California’s Sanctuary State status to protect communities.
• Congressman Doug LaMalfa (CA-01): Described the events as riots rather than protests, condemning attacks on ICE agents and law enforcement, and criticized local officials for lack of support.
• Congressman David Valadao (CA-22): Reaffirmed support for law and order, distinguishing peaceful protest from violent vandalism.
• Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23): Highlighted the importance of holding accountable those who incite violence and supporting officers who maintain order.
• Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41): Stressed that while free speech is a constitutional right, violence against law enforcement is unacceptable.
• Congressman Tom McClintock (CA-05): Called for justice and accountability for those responsible for violence and destruction in Los Angeles.

Collaborative Leadership

The resolution was led by Congresswoman Young Kim along with the California Republican delegation, including Representatives Ken Calvert, David Valadao, Vince Fong, Doug LaMalfa, Darrell Issa, Tom McClintock, Jay Obernolte, and Kevin Kiley, demonstrating bipartisan commitment to community safety and the rule of law.

Additional Resources

• Watch Congresswoman Kim’s remarks supporting the bill: HERE
• Read the full text of H.Res.516: HERE

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article focuses on condemning violence and riots, supporting law enforcement, and restoring public safety, which aligns with SDG 16’s emphasis on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice, and building effective, accountable institutions.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses the impact of violent riots on communities, including damage to businesses and public safety concerns, which relates to SDG 11’s goal of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. Under SDG 16:
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
2. Under SDG 11:
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, particularly for vulnerable groups.
   • Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage (implied by the concern over vandalism and destruction of property).

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 16 Targets:
   • Indicator 16.1.4: Proportion of population that feel safe walking alone around the area they live (implied by the emphasis on community safety and residents not living in fear).
   • Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized conflict resolution mechanisms (implied by calls for accountability and law enforcement support).
   • Indicator 16.6.2: Proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services (implied by the gratitude and support expressed towards law enforcement agencies).
2. For SDG 11 Targets:
   • Indicator 11.7.2: Proportion of persons victim of physical or sexual harassment, by sex, age, disability status and place of occurrence, in the previous 12 months (implied by concerns about violence and vandalism in public spaces).
   • Indicator 11.4.1: Total expenditure (public and private) per capita spent on the preservation, protection and conservation of all cultural and natural heritage (implied by references to property damage and vandalism).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: youngkim.house.gov