Congresswoman Matsui Statement on the Upcoming One Year Anniversary of the Tragic Shooting in Newtown, Connecticut
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, December 13, 2013
CONTACT: JONELLE TRIMMER
(202) 225-7163
Congresswoman Matsui Statement on the Upcoming One Year Anniversary of the Tragic Shooting in Newtown, Connecticut
Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06), released the following statement on the one year anniversary of the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, occurring Saturday, December 13th:
"Though a year has passed, our hearts still ache for the victims and families affected by the horrific tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut. There was Jack, who at six years old was a huge New York Giants fan, and Jessica, who was fascinated by Orca whales and was a promising horseback rider. There was Noah, whose best friend was his twin sister Arielle, who was in another class and survived, though she lost her other half. And there was little Jesse, a six year old whose final act on this Earth was to yell at his classmates to run, an act that probably saved their lives. These children were truly innocent, knowing little about the brutality in the world they lived until they witnessed it firsthand Friday morning.
"After every mass shooting there is a flurry of activity calling for action on gun control legislation. The time to act is now, not after the next tragedy. We must pass legislation strengthening background checks for firearms purchase. This common-sense measure has strong public support and will have a tangible impact on reducing gun violence.
"It is also past time to bolster funding and services for mental health care and ensure all Americans have access to the treatment they need. Though the mentally ill are victims of violent crime far more often than they are perpetrators, a lack of access to aid and treatment can lead to dangerous and ultimately deadly situations.
"It is impossible to imagine the pain experienced by the families of Newtown who lost children and loved ones, as they prepare for their second holiday season without them. I know there is a hole in their hearts that cannot be filled, but I hope they will take some solace in knowing that the thoughts and prayers of America are with them."
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