Statement on Shooting at Dallas ICE Facility

Washington, D.C. -Sending thoughts and prayers is not enough. Congress needs to act to end gun violence. When we visit a federal facility, go to a concert, attend religious service, or go to school, we deserve to know that we're safe.

The shooting at the Dallas ICE facility yesterday that took the life of a detainee and seriously injured several others was yet another instance of a shooter being able to access a high-powered firearm and deadly ammunition to kill people. It came just weeks after the deadly shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church, and it happened amid a sharp increase in political violence in the United States.

Why are we treating these weapons of destruction with more dignity and respect than the people whose lives are on the line every single day? I refuse to be silent. Congress must act on common-sense solutions to end gun violence.

The epidemic of gun violence is ripping our communities apart and tearing at the soul of our nation. The common denominator is easy access to weapons designed to kill people. I have voted time and again to ban assault weapons, impose background checks, and limit access to firearms. It is past time to act and not acting is deadly.

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