Press Release
Posted:
Washington – Today, Chairman of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task ForceRep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) released the following statement on the one-year anniversary of the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 children and 2 teachers were murdered.
“One year ago, gun violence struck deep in the heart of Uvalde and their community was forever changed,” said Thompson. “19 children and two teachers were senselessly murdered, and 17 others were injured. On this solemn day, we remember and cherish the memory of those lost and join in solidarity to support the entire Uvalde community.
“Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States, and more than 352,000 students have experienced gun violence at school since Columbine. Our kids should not be afraid to go to school and parents should not be afraid to put their kids on the bus in the morning in fear it will be the last time they see them alive.
“This tragedy pushed gun violence to the forefront of the national stage, and as a result, we passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and President Biden signed it into law. This legislation became the most significant gun violence prevention that became law in over 30 years. But we know that this law is just a step in the right direction — House Republican leadership needs to step up and work with us on gun violence and help stop our children from being gunned down in our communities. Thoughts and prayers do not save lives — action does, and it is long overdue.”
"A tragedy as painful and devastating as last year’s shooting at Uvalde should have spurred every single legislator into action,” said Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16). “Instead, House Democrats had to twist arms to urge our colleagues across the aisle to act. While we were able to sign the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act into law, that legislation did not address the weapon used to inflict the devastating carnage endured by innocent victims in our schools, malls, churches, and stores: assault weapons. I remain committed, in honor of those precious young lives lost at Uvalde and every day since, in my pursuit to protect innocent lives.”
“Today marks one year since 19 children and two teachers were murdered, leaving a community forever scarred and parents holding our little ones closer,” said Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32). “Moving forward we have to do better for our kids. Last year we finally ended years of inaction by passing bipartisan gun reforms. We can build on this by strengthening background checks, passing red flag laws and raising the purchase age for an assault-style rifle to 21. I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to look for common ground – because I am willing to work with anyone to save lives and protect our kids.”
The Gun Violence Prevention Task Force was founded in the wake of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012 when 20 students and 6 educators were slaughtered in a senseless act of violence. The Task Force is working to deliver on a number of policies including background checks, red flag laws and other live saving gun violence prevention policies.