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Senator Responds to Criticism from Grieving Mother

Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat representing Maryland, found himself at the center of controversy following pointed remarks from Patty Morin, a constituent mourning the loss of her daughter, Rachel. Morin has accused the senator of prioritizing the plight of an alleged MS-13 gang member over the tragedy faced by her family, which saw her daughter brutally raped and murdered by an illegal immigrant in 2023.

In a recent interview with Shannon Bream, Van Hollen expressed deep sympathy for the Morin family, stating, “What happened to the Morin family was awful and unacceptable. I cannot imagine losing a child like they lost Rachel, and I said at the time that my heart goes out to the Morin family.” He also expressed relief over the conviction of Rachel’s killer, emphasizing the importance of accountability through the judicial system.

Rachel Morin Murder: Justice Served in Court

The senator’s remarks follow a White House press briefing where Patty Morin was invited as a special guest. During her appearance, she criticized Van Hollen for his perceived lack of responsiveness to her daughter’s tragic death. She highlighted his efforts to utilize taxpayer funds for travel to El Salvador to address the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the alleged MS-13 member facing deportation.

Van Hollen has consistently maintained that accusations against Garcia need to be substantiated in a legal context rather than through public opinion. His recent visit to the CECOT megaprison in El Salvador, where Garcia is held, drew significant backlash, particularly from Republican lawmakers.

Connection to Morin’s Murder Questioned

The case received renewed attention as Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez, a 23-year-old illegal immigrant from El Salvador, was found guilty of murdering Rachel Morin in a disturbing crime that shook their community near Baltimore. Despite the public outcry and the painful reminder of Rachel’s death, Van Hollen asserted that there is no correlation between her murder and the broader discussions surrounding Garcia’s deportation case. He reiterated his compassion for victims of violence, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their cases.

In emphasizing the need for due process, Van Hollen noted, “My heart goes out to every Maryland family that is the victim of violence, regardless of the perpetrator,” adding that convictions should take place in a court of law, where justice is sought for all parties involved. He remarked on the importance of safeguarding constitutional rights, cautioning against the wrongful treatment of any individual.

As the dialogue continues around issues of immigration, crime, and due process, the Morin family’s ordeal remains a poignant reminder of the complex challenges facing society today.

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