From the Pride Fund:
WASHINGTON, DC, JUNE 14, 2017 — Pride Fund to End Gun Violence PAC — America's only national LGBTQ political organization solely focused on gun violence prevention, released the following statement on the shooting in Alexandria, VA this morning that injured several people, including a US Congressman, a congressional aide and a police officer.
STATEMENT FROM JASON LINDSAY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PRIDE FUND TO END GUN VIOLENCE:
Today's shooting involving Members of Congress is another reminder that no one is safe when access to guns is so easy. We're heartbroken and horrified for those involved as well as the community as a whole. And while details are still coming together and the motive of the shooter is unclear, this incident is yet another illustration of the need for common sense gun reforms. This shooting comes just two days after our nation reflected on the one year mark of the mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando that killed 49 people, injured 53, and emotionally scarred countless others.
The Pride Fund to End Gun Violence supports requiring background checks for all gun sales, prohibiting suspected terrorists from purchasing guns, restricting access to assault weapons and high capacity magazines, preventing those convicted of hate crimes from purchasing guns, and undertaking federally funded research on gun violence. No other country faces the daily onslaught of shootings and murders that the United States does, where 93 people are killed every day by gun violence. For too long, lawmakers have failed in their responsibility to ensure the public safety by not taking action.
Republican leaders in the House had been scheduled to hold a congressional hearing this morning to discuss legislation that would increase risks to public safety by deregulating 80-year old law that oversees the sale of silencers. The SHARE Act (Sportsmen's Heritage and Recreational Enhancement) would have a disastrous impact on public safety and law enforcement by deregulating silencers, and weakening the regulation of interstate firearm transport and the regulation of armor-piercing ammunition. This bill undermines law enforcement officers, threatening their safety and making it more difficult for them to do their jobs. Today's shooting, during National Gun Violence Awareness Month, should give them pause.
Republicans in Congress can't merely offer thoughts and prayers every time there is a high profile shooting while simultaneously working with the gun lobby to eliminate gun safety laws and put the public at further risk. It is time for action on common sense gun reform.
About the Pride Fund to End Gun Violence:
Pride Fund to End Gun Violence is a Political Action Committee (PAC), organized for the purpose of raising and spending money to elect pro-LGBTQ candidates at the federal and local level who support sensible gun reforms.
To learn more, visit www.pridefund.org . Like us on Facebook and follow on Twitter @Pride_Fund
From the Human Rights Campaign:
WASHINGTON — Today, the Human Rights Campaign released the following statement following a shooting in Alexandria, Virginia, that has reportedly injured House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, two Capitol Police officers, and several staffers who had gathered at a congressional baseball practice.
"We stand in solidarity and unity with those injured in this horrific attack and hope for their speedy recovery," said HRC President Chad Griffin. "We condemn all forms of violence, and moments like these remind us of the need to work together in finding commonsense solutions to gun violence, hate-motivated violence, and terrorism. The swift response of the U.S. Capitol Police and first responders is testament to their selfless service to our nation."
The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.
