Assemblymember Schultz Calls on Officials to ‘Refrain From’ Meeting Erdoğan in L.A.
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Nick Schultz (D-Burbank) on Tuesday released a statement regarding reports of a potential visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Los Angeles.
Below is the text of the statement.
There are growing concerns regarding reports that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan may travel to Los Angeles for the upcoming FIFA World Cup match on June 25.
My district is home to the largest Armenian community outside of Armenia. I proudly represent these constituents, and I stand with this community today, just as I have throughout my tenure. The values of our community are rooted in justice, the recognition of historical truth, and the protection of human rights.
The Armenian Genocide is not a subject of debate; it is a historical fact recognized by the United States government, the State of California, and local jurisdictions across Los Angeles. President Erdoğan’s ongoing, active denial of this genocide is an affront to the memory of the 1.5 million victims and a profound source of pain for their descendants.
Beyond the history of 1915, the actions taken under President Erdoğan’s leadership in recent years—specifically his government’s role in enabling the ethnic cleansing of 120,000 Armenians from their ancestral homeland of Artsakh—demand our condemnation. To provide any form of ceremonial welcome, official recognition, or photo opportunity to a leader who has openly championed these actions would be a failure of moral leadership and completely inconsistent with the values we hold dear in California.
I join my constituents in making it clear: those who actively deny the genocide of the past and facilitate the human rights atrocities of the present do not deserve the hospitality or validation of our public institutions. I urge all local, state, and federal officials to refrain from any ceremonial engagement with President Erdoğan should he visit our region.
My office remains committed to standing in solidarity with the Armenian-American community as they continue to seek truth, justice, and accountability.
Nick Schultz represents 44th Assembly District, which includes the cities of Burbank, Glendale, and Los Angeles, as well as the communities of La Crescenta, Lake View Terrace, Montrose, North Hollywood, Shadow Hills, Sherman Oaks, Sunland-Tujunga, Studio City, Toluca Lake, and Valley Village.
