Brady Calls for Action Following Mass Shooting at Workplace in San Jose, California

“There is no starker illustration of our nation’s gun violence epidemic than the fact that at least 8 people were shot and killed at their workplace in San Jose, California, while President Biden’s nominee to lead ATF was testifying in Washington on the need to enforce our nation’s gun laws."

Washington, D.C., May 26, 2021 - Following the mass shooting at the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) light rail yard in San Jose, California, Brady calls for immediate action to address gun violence in our country. While details of this workplace shooting will continue to emerge, latest reports indicate that there are at least eight fatalities and that the shooter was an employee at the Valley Transportation Authority. This shooting occurred while the Senate Judiciary Committee interviewed President Biden’s nominee to serve as Director of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), underscoring the scope and scale of this uniquely American epidemic. Just as the Senate must confirm President Biden’s nominee, David Chipman, Congress must act at once and pass comprehensive gun violence prevention legislation.

Brady President Kris Brown shared:


“There is no starker illustration of our nation’s gun violence epidemic than the fact that our fellow citizens were shot and killed at their workplace in San Jose, California, while President Biden’s nominee to lead ATF was testifying in Washington on the need to enforce our nation’s gun laws. By some measures this is at least the 230th mass shooting in our country this year and, while we will learn all of the facts in this case, it is not too soon to state unequivocally that we need action to prevent this bloodshed. Mass shootings, and workplace shootings in particular, continue to increase. Gun violence is a uniquely American epidemic, but one that is solvable. Today’s hearing on President Biden’s nominee for ATF Director reminded us that we have the solutions, but we must implement them. It is too late for the victims of this shooting and for their families. But, for our children and for our nation’s safety and future, we cannot delay. We need action now.”

Brady California Chapter Member Sana Sethi shared:


I'm tired of waiting until people's lives are lost for anyone to talk about gun violence or propose action. Today’s shooting is a grim reminder that our nation has yet to take substantive action to prevent gun violence, despite thousands of deaths and injuries each year. Though California continues to lead on preventing gun violence, today’s shooting is a reminder that we have so much more work to do as a country to save lives. Today, San Jose will be in the headlines. But, tomorrow or a week from now it will be another community, even as our community will continue to deal with the trauma of today’s shooting. We need action and we need change. We deserve to live free from the fear of gun violence.”

About the San Jose Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Shooting

While details are still emerging, media reports that this morning, local time, a gunman opened fire at the Valley Transportation Authority light rail yard in San Jose, California. Reports confirm that there are multiple fatalities, including the shooter.

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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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