Democrats brought up the issue of gun control within hours of a deadly shooting in Jacksonville, Fla., on Sunday which resulted in “multiple fatalities” according to authorities.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who has her eye on the speakership should Democrats flip the lower chamber in November, called on Congress to “stop stalling.”
“My thoughts are with everyone impacted by the shooting today at the Jacksonville Landing — but thoughts are not enough. As we continue to track developments, it’s clear Congress must stop stalling & act to protect Americans from the daily tragedy of gun violence. #NeverAgain,” Pelosi, D-Calif., tweeted.
Former Rep. Gabby Giffords, D-Ariz., who became a leading advocate for anti-gun violence causes after she was shot in the head during a mass shooting in 2011, condemned the “too many” lawmakers in Congress who refuse to pass gun reforms.
“We do not have to accept these horrific acts of violence as routine,” Giffords said in a statement. “Congress knows steps they can take to stop this madness. Too many of them simply lack the courage to act.”
Giffords also called for retribution against lawmakers unwilling to take action in the 2018 midterm elections.
“But for those with the power to pass laws that will save lives, thoughts and prayers are not enough. They can fix this. They can keep our kids safe in classrooms, churches, at concerts, and in arcades,” Giffords said. “And should they choose not to, then it is our job to do everything we can this November to elect a Congress that will.”
The shooting Sunday happened at a video game tournament in downtown Jacksonville. Authorities say the shooting suspect is 24-year-old David Katz from Baltimore, Md. Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said in a press conference Sunday evening that the suspect used at least one handgun in the shooting.
Gun control legislation often becomes a contentious point of debate between Republicans and Democrats in Congress and for federal regulation following a mass shooting in the U.S. A mass shooting occurred in Florida earlier this year when a gunman opened fire at students and staff at a high school in Parkland in February, killing 17 people. Within hours of that shooting, Democrats called for “action.”
Florida Gov. Rick Scott, a Republican, signed gun reform legislation in March, which included a provision raising the minimum age to purchase a firearm to 21 from 18, prompting a swift lawsuit from the National Rifle Association.
