Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea released the following statement in response to racist harassment directed at the University of Utah women’s basketball team:

“I am deeply disturbed and outraged that malicious, racist harassment cast a dark shadow on what should have been a joyous occasion for accomplished student-athletes.

I condemn the people who committed these hateful acts and hope they will be brought to justice. I likewise condemn David Reilly, a self-proclaimed Christian nationalist, for interrupting a press conference by local leaders addressing the harassment.

Racism is a painful and ugly part of Idaho’s history, particularly in Kootenai County, and clearly persists today, but it need not be part of our future. It is time for every Idahoan — and especially our leaders — to reaffirm our commitment to ending racial injustice.”