"The vicious attack on actor Jussie Smollett was an attempted modern-day lynching. I'm glad he's safe. To those in Congress who don't feel the urgency to pass our Anti-Lynching bill designating lynching as a federal hate crime– I urge you to pay attention."

“Smollett was convicted of a DUI and lie to police in 2007 according to court documents.”

“Frauds are everywhere y’all. Protect the mind, heart and spirit of you and your people at all costs.”

““I do, because I was there. For me, when that was released, I was like, ‘Okay, we’re getting somewhere.’ …I don’t have any doubt in my mind that that’s them. Never didn’t.”

“This is a truly awful hate crime that has no place anywhere in this nation. No one should be attacked because of the color of their skin or who they love. Jussie, please know that many people across IL and our country are sending love your way.”

“The racist and homophobic attack on Jussie Smollett is a horrific instance of the surging hostility toward minorities around the country.”

“New York State calls this attack on Jussie Smollett what it is — a hate crime. Homophobia and racism will not be tolerated”