Rush statement in response to the disinterring of human remains at Burr Oak Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U. S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush (IL-01) responded with horror following news reports of the unearthing of the buried remains from a still undetermined number of grave sites at the Burr Oak Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois, located in Rush's 1st Congressional District.  "Mere words do not fully convey my deep concern for the scores of families whose loved ones have been so tragically violated in this despicable manner," Rush said.

The historic Burr Oak Cemetery, located in Chicago's southwest suburbs, is the final resting place for a number of prominent individuals including slain civil rights martyr Emmett Till, jazz legend Dinah Washington and heavyweight boxing champion Ezzard Charles.  The Congressman's immediate concerns extend to traumatized family members and loved ones of those whose remains have been disinterred.

In response to the unfolding news of the arrests of four employees who worked at the Burr Oak facility, Rep. Rush said, "If these allegations prove to be true, then the alleged perpetrators of these crimes have reached a new low in aberrant criminal behavior.  Their behavior is a violation of the loved ones of the deceased as well as a violation of our entire community.  I question the humanity of anyone who would callously believe that disinterring human remains to sell  that same sacred space to another unsuspecting family, for profit, has any place in a civilized society.

"While my staff and I review existing federal statutes that govern the licensing and conduct of cemeteries, for now, I take a small measure of comfort in the knowledge that the FBI is working with local law enforcement officials to get to the bottom of this obscene behavior.  My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of those whose remains have been disinterred and I am keeping all of them in my prayers."

# # #