Rep. Chu Statement on Shooting in San Bernardino

On Wednesday, two shooters arrived at a holiday party at the Inland Regional Center, a social services center in San Bernardino, California. Armed with assault weapons and tactical gear, they killed at least 14 people and wounded at least 17 others. The shooting was the deadliest mass shooting in the U.S. since Sandy Hook, three years ago. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27), whose district neighbors San Bernardino, released the following statement:

“This shooting is absolutely heartbreaking. I mourn for those whose lives were senselessly lost and I share the concern of my constituents and those around the country who understandably fear their office, community center, or shopping plaza could be next. And that is why our tears and thoughts are not enough. We must act. Yesterday’s tragedy was in fact the 355th of the year – an average of more than one per day for this year.

“We must crack down on the national gun trafficking across state lines, strengthen background checks on commercial gun sales, and end the restriction that prevents us from even keeping track of gun purchases. These are a few of many common sense proposals being put forward by concerned Americans and advocates. But every proposal is dismissed. At mass shootings than days in this year so far, we are long past due for action. It is clear we are failing to live up to our oath to protect the safety of our constituents and while I’m heartbroken for the lives lost, I’m equally heartbroken by the reluctance of Congressional leaders on the other side of the aisle to take even one step to prevent the next shooting.”

The last time Congress considered gun control legislation was in April of 2013 when a bipartisan proposal by Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va) and Pat Toomey (R-PA) was defeated in the Senate. That bill would have required background checks on all commercial sales of guns.