Gun violence must end - a message from the CEO of eMgage


This weekend, less than 24 hours separated two mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio. In less than 24 hours, 29 innocent lives were lost at the hands of two individuals motivated by hate and having access to military grade rifles.
This tragedy goes well beyond the lives lost. This impacts the families who will never welcome their loved ones back home. These families who are left behind are impacted by this tragedy - permanently. Thoughts and prayers are no longer enough and as a country, we must take proactive steps to prevent future mass shootings. American citizens have the right to be safe in their places of worship, schools, movie theaters and shopping centers.
In the wake of these tragedies, President Donald Trump attempted to link the shootings committed by white supremacists with the need for immigration reform, which is a tone-deaf response, at best.
We can no longer be blind to the rhetoric coming from America's highest office. When the President is referring to Mexicans as "rapists" who are "bringing crime"; when the President targets four minority congresswomen and encouraged his supports to chant "send her home"; and when the President bans Muslims from seeking refuge here - there are lethal consequences.
There have been 251 mass shootings just this year, enough is enough. On February 27, 2019, the House took a necessary first step in preventing gun violence by passing H.R. 8 - Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019. Now, it's time for the Senate to reciprocate and vote for S. 42 - Background Check Expansion Act. Congress must act to prevent future tragedies and this requires an approach that addresses access to military grade weapons and the rise in violent white terrorism.

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