National Urban League Calls for Stronger Gun Laws to Address Epidemic

NEW YORK (August 4, 2019) -- National Urban League President Marc H. Morial issued the following statement in response to the nation’s plague of mass shootings which surged with five attacks in the last eight days, in which 100 people were shot and at least 35 died. 

“Our paralysis in response the scourge of mass shootings is our national shame. The slavish devotion of elected officials to the gun manufacturing lobby is killing us, literally and spiritually.

“At least one of the shooters was inspired by violent and racist rhetoric streaming from the highest office in the land, yet we see little willingness to on the part or our lawmakers either to condemn the rhetoric or to stem the tide of violence. 

“National Urban League demands comprehensive gun safety legislation at the federal level. The Senate can start with passing the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019 and closing the “Charleston loophole” that allowed Mother Emmanuel shooter Dylann Roof to purchase a firearm even though his background check had not yet been approved.

“We support a renewal of the assault weapons ban and significant investment in mental health initiatives that can red-flag dangerous individuals.

“Our hearts are with the victims and their families but our thoughts and prayers are meaningless unless they are put to action with stronger, effective, common sense gun safety laws.”

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