Rep. Engel and Lowey Issue Statement on Newton Shooting

Rep. Eliot Engel's statement:

 “As a father of three, I am horrified by the violence committed against these innocent children and their teachers in Connecticut.  As a human being, I am appalled that someone could commit such an insane act and actually pull that trigger ending those young lives. The grief I feel for the families of the victims is too great for words. We have had too many moments like this – 31 school massacres in our country since Columbine. 

 “Today, our nation mourns.  In the coming days and weeks, we must come to grips with the horrors of the growing gun violence we are witnessing with all too much frequency.  This country must keep guns out of the hands of deranged murderers, and the fact that we cannot pass sensible gun control in this Congress is a blot on our reputation.  As I have said many times in the past, we must pass sensible gun control.  We owe it to the memories of the children and teachers murdered today.”

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Rep. Nita Lowey's statement:

Today’s horrific act of violence in Newtown, Connecticut is senseless and heartbreaking.  There are no words to express the profound grief we all feel at the loss of so many, especially young children.  My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their friends and family and the entire Newtown community.

 “We cannot tolerate mass shootings as a mere inconvenience or a normal part of our everyday lives.  Easy availability of the deadliest weapons to the most dangerous people has cost countless lives and caused immeasurable suffering, never more so than today.   Our expressions of sympathy must be matched with concrete actions to stop gun violence.”