Blumenthal, Murphy, DeLauro, Esty Join Families and Advocates to Demand Action on Gun Violence Prevention
WASHINGTON, DC (December 15, 2016) — At a press conference today with more than eighty family members of victims and survivors of gun violence, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) and U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Elizabeth Esty (CT-05) called for action on commonsense gun reform measures.
"Coming together for the first time after the election, there would be good reason for people to be desolate or despairing. Our new President-elect is hardly committed to the cause of ending gun violence. But there is a moment of opportunity here for a President-elect who, much as President Nixon did in going to China, can defy the expectations, do the unpredictable, and respond to the rally of the American people clamoring for and demanding action," Blumenthal said. "The people are on our side. History is on our side. There is hope."
"The gun violence epidemic continues to rip through communities across this country, and I know people are frustrated that we haven't been able to make more progress over the last four years. But don't get discouraged—so much has changed. Referendums have passed, the gun lobby is in retreat, and we are starting to change the national political dynamic. As we honor four years since Sandy Hook, this is the point at which we need to put our foot on the accelerator and deliver the change that we know the American people want. We should be proud of the movement we have helped to build and of the change that we've already made, and we should expect and demand that the final changes that are needed to make this country safe are around the corner. We all are going to honor this loss with action," said Murphy.
"Four years ago, our hearts were broken by a senseless and unspeakable act of gun violence at Sandy Hook Elementary. For the family and friends of victims from Newtown and across the country who are standing with us today, you have endured unimaginable tragedy, but you show incredible strength and courage," said DeLauro. "Today we must honor with action and continue to fight for common sense solutions that can help save lives. As Members of Congress, we have a moral responsibility to act and we will not stop our fight for universal background checks, a ban on assault weapons, allowing research on gun violence, and keeping guns out of the hands of potential terrorists."
"This movement is about fighting for America's children and America's families," Esty said. "Each and every person lost to gun violence—over 30,000 lives every year—is a child of this country. We can and we must do better."
Today's press conference followed the 4th Annual National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence, which was held last night at St. Mark's Episcopal Church. The vigil commemorated the fourth anniversary of the tragic shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School, as well as the 400,000 American victims and survivors of gun violence since December 2012.
Photos of today's press conference are available here.
Video of today's press conference is available here. Footage of today's press conference is available for TV Stations to download here.