National Urban League Condemns Shooting at Robb Elementary School

Washington, D.C. (May 25, 2022) — Yesterday, after an active shooter entered Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas killing at least 21 people, including 19 children, President and CEO Marc Morial calls for Congress to pass strict gun reform legislation.

“One week after a racially motivated shooter used an assault rifle to target a Black community in Buffalo, New York, another mass shooter used an assault rifle and high-capacity magazines to attack Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. The families and communities were changed forever because of these evil acts.

“For too long, our nation has allowed guns to flow too easily through our communities – legally and illegally. There are over 400 million firearms currently in circulation, including over 4 million assault rifles like the ones used in Buffalo and Uvalde. Gun ownership has grown from 32% to 40% since 2016 and gun violence has surged by 30% since the onset of COVID-19. Our communities have grieved over 200 mass shootings in 2022 alone and 27 shootings occurring in schools – all occurring nearly 10 years since the Sandy Hook school mass shooting. Congress has failed to act on common sense, comprehensive gun control measures. What will Congress do now? Members of Congress must do more than offer statements of thoughts and prayers. Congress must act.

“In his address, President Biden stated that, ‘mass shootings have become almost commonplace in this country.’ He’s right. We have gotten too complacent when these incidents occur, and we cannot continue to stand idly by while ill-intentioned individuals with easy access to guns are taking innocent lives. At this point, I am not asking. I demand that Governor Abbott and our country’s Congressional leaders pursue tougher gun restrictions to avoid another tragedy.

“The National Urban League and Urban League movement will continue to use our thoughts, prayers, and sympathies to offer support for families and communities affected by this tragedy and to inspire action. We will continue our fight for justice and equity with the hope and vision of an America where change is still possible.”