Gun violence is a disease that has tragically affected every part of our country, leaving devastation and heartache in its wake.
New York State, however, has lead the way when it comes to legislation that effectuates real change. I was proud to join Governor Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers this week for the signing of a ten-bill package to strengthen gun laws and prevent future tragedies. From closing critical gun law loopholes to providing additional resources to combat hate on social media, these gun control measures provide a safer path forward and our nation should follow suit.
The simple fact remains that the more we limit access to firearms, the more lives are saved. That is why I stand in full support of the Protecting Our Kids Act, a comprehensive package of gun reform legislation that was just passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. The proposed federal bills would raise the purchasing age for semi-automatic weapons, outlaw high-capacity magazines for civilian use, and provide additional tools for prosecutors to hold gun traffickers accountable.
Now is not the time for division. My Office will continue to bring drivers of crime to justice, but we must stand together as a nation and do all that we can to break the cycle of gun violence plaguing our schools, our supermarkets, our hospitals, our places of worship and our streets.
May you all continue to stay safe.
