Larson Statement on the Nashville School Shooting

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after a gunwoman shot and killed three students and three staff members at a Christian school in Nashville, Tennessee: 

“It is devastating to once again hear of the lives of innocent children and staff members being lost at a school to senseless gun violence,” said Larson. “In Connecticut, we know all too well the pain these shootings inflict on families and communities, more than a decade after 26 lives were stolen from us at Sandy Hook Elementary. Only three months into the year, there have already been more than 100 mass shootings nationwide. It is regretful that our society has grown numb to the pain of these tragedies, as they have quickly become the norm when we turn on the news – and to think – once again, it is our children who are paying the price.   

“There is no excuse for our leaders who continuously refuse to take action to end gun violence,” Larson continued. “It has been reported that the gunwoman who committed this massacre had two assault-style rifles and a pistol on her at the Covenant School today. While Congress was able to pass some common-sense reforms to address mental health and gun safety last year, more must be done. It is time to take bold action, not baby steps. We must demand universal background checks for all gun purchases and an assault weapons ban. Americans, especially our children, have a right to feel safe in school and at work, and should not have to worry that they may not return home to their families at the end of the day. I will not rest until we get this job done.”