DeLauro Statement on the Parkland High School Shooting

WASHINGTON DC (February 15, 2018) — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement regarding the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

"I am distraught and overcome with grief from the horrific mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. My heart breaks for the victims, their families, the first responders, and the entire Parkland community."

"I am also angry. The stories and videos from those who underwent this traumatic event are shocking, and they must be reckoned with. We cannot allow this unconscionable tragedy to go unanswered, as has been the case following Newtown, Aurora, Orlando, Las Vegas, and the countless mass shootings that have preceded this latest one. We cannot again lose our resolve to act. We must fight the gun lobby with every fiber of our being to pass gun violence prevention measures that the vast majority of Americans support—measures like banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, requiring a background check for every commercial gun sale, and supporting federal research into the causes of gun violence. These efforts may not prevent all shootings, but they will help save lives."

"As Members of Congress, one of our most sacred duties is to protect the American people. On that measure, we have failed—and doing nothing to change the current dynamic is both cowardly and shameful. I urge Speaker Ryan to immediately allow Congress to take up these gun violence prevention measures."