National

Congresswoman Robin Kelly’s Statement on Mass Shooting in Hesston, Kansas


Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–February 26, 2016.  Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL) issued the following statement on the mass shooting in Hesston, Kansas yesterday evening:

“My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Hesston, Kansas after a shooting rampage yesterday that killed three people and wounded 10 others.  This latest incident is yet another reminder that gun violence is the single greatest public health epidemic in America.

The shooter, Cedric Ford, was from Florida and had a lengthy criminal record there.  Court records show at least 11 criminal findings against Ford, including unlawfully carrying a concealed firearm.  However, despite this record, Ford was able to obtain a firearm in Kansas.  Every day across America, including in my Illinois district, criminals are crossing state lines to get guns. Chicago and Illinois’s strong gun laws are circumvented everyday by criminals who purchase firearms at Indiana gun shows, without having to undergo a background check.

It is simply unconscionable that a person with a record of criminal possession of a firearm in one state is able to obtain a gun and do harm in another.  Our patchwork system of strong and weak state gun laws – and unenforced federal laws due to mindless budget cuts – is not working.   Congress needs a comprehensive strategy to fully fund federal agencies to enforce our existing gun laws, and tighten those laws to reduce the risk of future harm. Preventing violent criminals from possessing guns isn’t a violation of the Second Amendment; it is common sense. America has received our prayers.  They deserve our action.”

Source: http://www.robinkelly.house.gov


ARCHIVES