Washington, DC—Below is a statement by Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director of The U.S. Conference of Mayors, on the mass shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville:
“America’s mayors are horrified that at least three students and three adults were killed today at a grade school in Nashville. This is the third school shooting in the last seven days. Last Monday in Arlington (TX), one student was killed and another wounded by a student outside a high school. On Wednesday in Denver, two high school administrators were wounded at a high school, also by a student. Our schools should be places of comfort and safety where children come to learn, not worry about getting shot.
“The nation’s mayors send their condolences to the victims’ families, friends, and community and stand with Nashville Mayor John Cooper as he works to comfort residents and help his community heal.
“How many children must die, how many adults must die, before our nation takes action to reduce gun violence? We must and we can do more to protect people from this senseless slaughter. Mayors are doing everything they can to prevent and reduce gun violence in their cities, although local ordinances are often preempted by state legislatures — and Congress has repeatedly chosen not to act. Our children deserve better. The U.S. Conference of Mayors again calls on Congress to do its job, to pass and send to the President common sense gun safety legislation.”