Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) said Tuesday that the Supreme Court’s decision to strike Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act “put a dagger in the heart” of the landmark legislation.
“What the Supreme Court did was to put a dagger in the heart of the Voting Rights Act of 1965,” Lewis told ABC News. “This act helped liberate not just a people but a nation.”
“We don’t want to go back,” he added. “I’m shocked, dismayed, disappointed. I take it very personally. I gave a little blood on that bridge for the right to vote, for the right to participate in a Democratic process.”
Lewis, who participated in nearly every major civil rights event of the 1960’s, including the “Bloody Sunday” march on Selma, Ala., has been a longtime vocal supporter of the Voting Rights Act.
Congressman John Lewis watches Voting Rights decision with @abc. He says he is “sad and dismayed.” pic.twitter.com/wjbBHA4g0h
— Jeff Zeleny (@jeffzeleny) June 25, 2013
Watch Lewis’ interview with ABC News below:
