WASHINGTON, DC—Representative Eliot L. Engel, the leading Democrat on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement regarding the terrorist attack on a school in Pakistan:

"I am shocked, angered, and deeply saddened by the appalling terrorist attack on the Pakistani school. I can think of nothing more repulsive than the murder of children, and my heart goes out to those who lost family or loved ones.

"Boys and girls who are taught to see the world with an open mind understand that violent extremism preaches a false and empty ideology. That's why terrorists view students and teachers as so dangerous.

"We've seen this before, when terrorists tried to silence Malala Yousafzai for speaking out for girls' education. But terrorist weapons didn't kill Malala, and no attack, no matter how horrific, will kill the ideas she stands for. Like her, we need to keep pushing back against the message of extremists around the world.

"Those responsible for this attack must be held to account. The United States stands with the people of Pakistan, and we will continue working with Pakistan's leaders to put a stop to this brand of violence."

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