Congressman Vela Responds to Mass Shootings

The mass shootings in Gilroy, El Paso and Dayton cry out for an immediate federal response so that Americans will see that Congress really cares.  The Democratic-passed background check bill (which had the support of 8 Republicans) has been lingering in Mitch McConnell's Senate for months.  The Senate should pass that bill without hesitation.

But, that is not enough.  Still more needs to be done.  The obliteration of dozens of people in a matter of seconds is just not meant to be in our civilized society.  It may be true that we cannot eliminate the risk of every incident of mass violence, but Congress must pass legislation that will mitigate the risk of future injury and death, and ensure that America's entertainment venues, everyday shopping centers, bars and restaurants are not turned into war zones.

Finally, it is clear that President Trump's heinous anti-immigrant and racist tinged rhetoric at least led the El Paso killer to believe that what he was doing was right.  America desperately needs a new leader - a leader who will unite this country and not divide it.

 

###