Newtown Action Alliance Statement on Mass Shooting Incident at President Donald Trump’s Rally
For Immediate Release
July 15, 2024
Contact:
John Kelley
917-679-6475
jkelley@newtownaction.org
Newtown Action Alliance Statement on Mass Shooting Incident at President Donald Trump’s Rally
Denounces Political Violence and Urges Swift Action on Assault Weapons Ban Legislation
Newtown, CT — In the wake of the tragic shooting at President Donald Trump’s political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Po Murray, the Chairwoman of the Newtown Action Alliance released the following statement to strongly condemn the increasing political violence and calls for urgent legislative action to prevent further bloodshed.
“On Saturday, a 20-year-old gunman with a legally purchased AR15-style assault rifle attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at his campaign rally, resulting in President Trump sustaining an injury to his ear, the death of one spectator, Corey Comperatore, and critical injuries to two others. The FBI is investigating the attack as a potential act of domestic terrorism, though no clear ideological motive has been identified.”
"We cannot stand idly by as our nation continues to be torn apart by gun violence. The shooting at President Trump’s rally was the 293rd mass shooting incident of this year. It is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by assault weapons in the hands of civilians. These weapons of war have been used time and time again to inflict mass casualties in any type of public venues, and it is beyond time for Congress to act."
“Newtown Action Alliance is advocating for the immediate passage of H.R. 698/S. 25, the comprehensive federal assault weapons ban legislation. This critical measure aims to remove military-style firearms from civilian use, thereby reducing the likelihood of mass shootings and saving countless lives. We urge members of Congress to prioritize the safety and well-being of all Americans by enacting this lifesaving legislation, we also urge the Pennsylvania state legislature to ban assault weapons.”
“In addition to calling for an assault weapons ban, we also call on all political leaders to denounce all forms of violence unequivocally and to foster a culture of respect and dialogue. Political violence threatens the very foundation of our democracy, and it is imperative that we address it with the seriousness it deserves.”
"Our hearts go out to the victims and their families during this difficult time. We encourage all to remember Fire Chief Corey Comperatore, who died a hero protecting his family, and work together to prevent such senseless gun violence in the future. Our thoughts are with the families affected by this tragic event, and we stand in solidarity with all victims of gun violence. Children in schools or presidential candidates and supporters at rallies deserve the same protections from gun violence. No one should have to live in fear of being shot, whether they are in a classroom or attending a political event."
“We urge all to stand in solidarity with all victims of gun violence to fight for a safer, more peaceful future for our nation.”
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Newtown Action Alliance (http://alliance.newtownaction.org/) is a Newtown-based, national grassroots organization formed after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings. Our mission is to achieve the steady and continuous reduction of gun violence through legislative and cultural changes.