Washington, DC — Below is a statement by U.S. Conference of Mayors President Bryan Barnett, Mayor of Rochester Hills (MI), on today’s mass shooting in West Texas:
“Once again, America’s mayors are shocked and saddened by a mass shooting; this one in the Odessa-Midland, Texas area: Five people killed more than 20 wounded, including several police officers. We extend our condolences to the victims, their families and this area of West Texas that has been irreparably changed. We stand with Odessa Mayor David Turner and Midland Mayor Jerry Morales as they work to reassure their residents and heal their communities.
“The American people have told our leaders to do something, and that’s why 274 mayors have co-signed a letter to the U.S. Senate urging it to enact legislation already passed by the House that will greatly strengthen the nation’s background check system. The U.S. Conference of Mayors will be doing everything possible to see this legislation pass as quickly as possible after Congress returns to Washington September 9.”