RICHMOND, VA – Following a tragic mass shooting in Richmond yesterday at the graduation ceremony for Huguenot High School, Virginia Senate and House Democratic leaders released the following statements:
“My heart breaks for the victims and families affected by the recent mass shooting in Richmond. Violence like this can tear a community apart, but it also has the power to unite us around the need to take action to stop these tragedies. Mass shootings are preventable, and anyone who insists that guns are not part of the problem is doing a disservice to themselves and the public. This tragedy is only the latest sign that legislators at every level need to do more to pass gun safety measures that will keep our communities safe and get guns off our streets. Senate Democrats are ready to take action,” said Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Mamie Locke.
“We cannot continue to watch as young lives are taken from us,” said Leader Don Scott. “This epidemic of senseless murder and gun violence must end – and as leaders from both sides of the aisle we have the power to end it by passing common sense gun violence prevention. Our children should be at school today and we should be celebrating graduations this week, and instead we are mourning and grieving our losses again.”
“I am heartbroken for the family of Shawn Jackson and his stepfather, Renzo Smith; Richmond is a city in grief right now. Gun violence is a trauma that ripples throughout the entire community, and it has generational impacts. As state leaders, we have the moral responsibility to take action, and in the Senate, we will not shy away. We will continue to introduce gun safety legislation, as well as legislation that goes to the roots of violence: sustained trauma and systemic failures that impact health, communities, and economic opportunities. Addressing gun violence is our collective responsibility,” said Virginia Senator Ghazala Hashmi.
“I am deeply saddened by the latest act of senseless gun violence that our community experienced last night. What should be a time of celebration for the Huguenot High School graduates and their families, has instead become a time of grieving. It is beyond time for us to act and every day that passes without meaningful gun safety laws, moves us closer towards another tragedy. I stand committed with my colleagues to continue working to enact laws that will make our communities safer,” said Senator Lamont Babgy.
“Yesterday should have been a day filled with celebration and, instead, we are mourning our community’s loss,” said Delegate Rodney Willett. “Last session, we introduced more than 15 commonsense solutions that would have kept our communities safe. Republicans voted down almost every one. It’s past time for action – we have a duty to step up and protect Virginia families and communities.”
“It is unthinkable that these things can continue to happen–in our backyard, at celebrations, across the country,” said Delegate Betsy Carr. “It’s been said and we will keep saying it – thoughts and prayers are not enough. I have represented this community for 14 years – and am heartbroken to be spending this day mourning those who should be waking up today and celebrating their graduation. This must end.”
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