The Hill News

Attorney General Eric Holder, speaking at a commemoration event for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., said  the recent assassination attempt on a House lawmaker was evidence that “our world has yet to run its course of cruelty.”

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) was among 20 people who were injured or killed after a gunman opened fire at a constituent event Saturday in her district city of Tucson, Ariz.

“This senseless and shameful act of violence serves as an unfortunate reminder that … our work to combat violence, and to bring those who engage in violent acts to justice, goes on,” said Holder on Tuesday

Holder emphasized that the peaceful resistance King practiced and inspired in thousands during his life was still present in the American public and that they would triumph over those seeking a violent means to their cause.

“Without question, threats against public officials â€" whatever form they take â€" continue to b! e cause for concern and vigilance,” said Holder. “But I do not believe that these threats are as strong as the forces working for tolerance and peace.”

“In times like these â€" times of inexplicable loss and unprecedented challenge â€" the importance of the Justice Department’s mission, and the power of Dr. King’s example, are brought into stark focus.”

Holder is scheduled to speak Sunday at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King was a co-pastor with his father.