Mayor Sylvester Turner is among the 214 mayors who sent a letter to U.S. Senate leaders today asking the Senate to adopt two bi-partisan bills already approved by the House to strengthen background checks on potential firearms buyers.
Click here to read the letter, which says in part:
Already in 2019, there have been over 250 mass shootings. The tragic events in El Paso and Dayton this weekend are just the latest reminders that our nation can no longer wait for our federal government to take the actions necessary to prevent people who should not have access to firearms from being able to purchase them.
The mayors who signed the letter are members of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
“We need very strong and specific efforts across the country to change laws and policies to reduce, and eventually end, gun violence in America’s homes, neighborhoods, churches, college campuses, and public places,” Mayor Turner said. He continued stating that he and other Mayors understand that there are people who own weapons for different reasons, whether they are gun enthusiasts, hunters, or for sport. Most gun owners are law-abiding citizens and would not use their guns outside of their intended purpose. Citizens also practice gun safety within their homes, and many own licenses and permits claiming ownership. The gun industry is also growing with retailers for guns and ammunition continuing to develop within the law – click here to learn more. However, he argues that with all the good that the industry brings to America, it is slowly being overshadowed by the bad.