Washington, D.C., August 21, 2019 — On Tuesday night at a library near Clark Atlanta University, a gunman opened fire in a crowd of nearly 200 people, injuring at least four students, all under the age of 20. Before many schools have even opened their doors from summer break, we’ve experienced a mass shooting. According to the Gun Violence Archive, this is the first mass shooting to happen near a school or college campus during the 2019-2020 school year, or since August 1.
In response to last night’s mass shooting, the gun violence prevention organization Brady expressed outrage at inaction by the Senate and the White House in combating gun violence, citing President Trump’s close talk with the NRA and backpedaling on common-sense gun reform.
Brady President Kris Brown said:
“Last night’s shooting marks the first school-related mass shooting of the 2019-2020 school year. Yet it was just days ago that President Trump openly dismissed and even mocked concerns that students returning to school might fear gun violence. His advice to students was to ‘not worry’ and ‘study harder.’ Let’s be clear, ‘studying harder’ will not end gun violence in our country. But given who Trump is consulting with on this issue, this response isn’t at all surprising. Just hours before last night’s mass shooting, Trump was on the phone with Wayne LaPierre, assuring him that he won’t pursue gun reform. Americans deserve better. We need a leader in the White House who isn’t beholden to the gun lobby. We need a leader who brings the right voices to the table, and who doesn’t parrot NRA talking points. That’s why I’m inviting President Trump to sit down and discuss real, common-sense solutions to this epidemic. I implore the President to meet with Brady. We have a legacy of bipartisanship and real accomplishments, and we’re eager to share our comprehensive plan for a brighter future. It’s time for the President to take action, not sides. It’s the only way we’ll end this epidemic.”
For too long, the NRA has dominated the discussion around gun reform between the President and Senate leadership. According to a report published last night by The Atlantic, President Trump and White House staffers have been in constant communication with the NRA, sometimes communicating several times a day. These efforts have steered President Trump away from his initial announcement that he would take up gun reform, including expanding background checks. Americans cannot wait any longer. Lives are on the line, and we need lifesaving legislation now. It’s time to give a seat to the people at the table who will put the American people over profits.
Brady has one powerful mission — to unite all Americans against gun violence. We work across Congress, the courts, and our communities with over 90 grassroots chapters, bringing together young and old, red and blue, and every shade of color to find common ground in common sense. In the spirit of our namesakes Jim and Sarah Brady, we have fought for over 45 years to take action, not sides, and we will not stop until this epidemic ends. It’s in our hands.
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