FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Croton Falls, NY) The Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus issued this statement marking four years since the horrific Pulse NightClub massacre, where a gunman killed 49, mostly LGBTQ people of color and injured another 53.

“Today, in a month that juxtaposes gun violence awareness, Pride and the fight for racial justice, we pause to remember how a hateful act by a lone gunman using military-style assault weapons murdered 49 innocent people and injured another 53.  For the friends and loved ones of the victims and survivors, whose lives have been forever changed by this unspeakable crime that targeted members of the Orlando LGBTQ community, we continue to stand with you and support you.

“It is a well-known fact that Florida is well behind many other states in addressing its weak gun laws that could save lives.  For example, bills to ban weapons of war that are championed by lead sponsors Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith and Senator Gary Farmer continue to languish in the Florida Legislature without even receiving a hearing on the merits.  

“In the aftermath of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Massacre, former Governor Scott and the Legislature agreed to arm school personnel and ultimately teachers, thereby creating more risk in our schools, while it took minimal steps to address gun violence.  Those minimal steps included raising the age to 21 to purchase firearms and a risk protection law to temporarily remove firearms pending a hearing when someone presents a potential danger to themselves or others. More needs to be done.  The Legislature still must address banning military-style assault weapons and large capacity magazines and comprehensive background checks on all gun sales  (including conducting them at gun shows) as a starting point.

“We honor those lives lost at Pulse on June 12, 2016, with our unwavering commitment to fight against hate, and we strive to honor the victims and survivors with action by continuing our fight for strong gun laws that will help to protect Florida’s communities from gun violence.”

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ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN TO KEEP GUNS OFF CAMPUS
The Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus works with colleges and universities across the country to oppose legislative policies that would force loaded, concealed guns on campuses. Since 2008, The Campaign to Keep Guns off Campus has helped stop campus carry legislation in 18 states and is the only national organization of its kind tasked to protect higher educational institutions and the communities they serve. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Contact:

Andy Pelosi, Executive Director,  [email protected]  (914-629-6726)