Washington, DC–Below is a statement by U.S. Conference of Mayors President Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve on this week’s mass shootings in Las Vegas, Austin and San Antonio.
“Yesterday we witnessed yet another tragic and unnecessary mass shooting, this one on the Las Vegas campus of the University of Nevada, in which three people were murdered and a fourth wounded. Earlier in the week, it was in Austin and San Antonio, where a shooter killed six people and injured three more, including two police officers. This cycle of gun violence in our country is just relentless. Already, 2023 has set the record for mass shootings in the United States.
“Our hearts are heavy today, and our thoughts are with Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, and San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg as well as the victims of these shootings and their families. We praise the quick response and bravery of the first responders. We know that these communities have experienced great loss, and that healing will take time.
“In response to the shooting and devastating impact of gun violence, Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman said: ‘We must fix this now.’ She is right—we must but Congress hasn’t. Just yesterday, the Senate considered three bills that could make a difference, bills that would ban assault weapons, strengthen the background check system, and require safe storage when a child is expected to be in the home. Despite the best efforts of many Senators, the U.S. Senate rejected all three of these bills. Such inaction is a choice. And, once again, America’s mayors ask, what will it take for Congress to act to reduce the scourge of gun violence in our nation? How many more people, especially children, must be killed?”