First term Congressional Rep Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) is calling for more stringent gun laws in the wake of the Las Vegas massacre.
She is one of several Asian American leaders who have used the shooting to reiterate the importance of stringent gun laws.
“Gun violence is a public health crisis that has claimed thousands of innocent lives and the Congress must do everything it can to address it,” said Japapal
This is a crisis with a clear solution – yet so many in Congress, backed by the gun lobby, refuse to lift a finger.
Enough is enough. pic.twitter.com/9HRkuYxpMl
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) October 2, 2017
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According to the Hindustan Times, the day after the attack, Jayapal addressed the U.S. House of Representatives and urged them to take action to protect innocent lives. “The American people are tired of being outraged, sending thoughts and prayers, seeing men, women, and children die because the gun lobby does put profit over people”.
Congress must stop turning a blind eye to this epidemic that has claimed thousands of innocent lives.
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) October 2, 2017
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She furthers her argument by sharing that the majority of gun owners, about 87 percent, and NRA members, 74 percent, are in fact in favor of conducting thorough background checks on potential gun owners. She says it is important that we do not sit on the sidelines and let innocent lives suffer.
Gun violence has become a pressing issue in America. The shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival brought the gun controversy back into the limelight. The shooting killed 59 people and injured over 500. The shooter was identified as 64-year-old Stephen Paddock who, according to his brother’s statement to CNN, was “just a guy”.
Other Asian American leaders have supported Jaypal’s message. South Asian American Rep Ami Bera (D-CA) agreed with the congresswomen and argued that “no community should have to fear going to the movies, a concert, or dropping their child off at school”.
The Hindustan Times reported that in 2017 alone, 1200 Americans died because of gun violence. As Congresswomen Pramila Jaypal said, “Act now. Enough is enough.”
The American people are tired of being outraged. We are tired of sending thoughts and prayers. #GunControlNow pic.twitter.com/rNe8frO9KB
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) October 2, 2017
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