Source: The White House
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of today’s murderous attack in Sutherland Springs, Texas. This horrible act of evil occurred as the victims and their families were in their place of sacred worship. We cannot put into words the pain and grief we all feel, and we cannot begin to imagine the suffering of those who lost the ones they loved. Our hearts are broken.
But in dark times such as these, Americans do what we do best: we pull together. We join hands. We lock arms. And through the tears and the sadness, we stand strong.
My Administration is providing its full support to the state and local authorities investigating this horrible crime. I have spoken with Governor Abbott, and we offer our thanks to the first responders who ultimately stopped the suspect and rendered immediate and lifesaving aid to the victims of this shooting. I will continue to follow developments closely.
All of America is praying to God to help the wounded and the families – we will never leave their side."
- President Donald J. Trump, November 5, 2017
See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site
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Showing posts with label gun violence. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gun violence. Show all posts
Monday, November 6, 2017
Monday, October 30, 2017
Perlmutter, Thompson Introduce Legislation to Keep Communities Safe, Help Prevent Future Gun Violence Tragedies
Source: Ed Perlmutter (D-CO, 7th)
Washington, D.C. - October 30, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Congressmen Mike Thompson (CA-05), Chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, and Ed Perlmutter (CO-07), Vice-Chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, introduced H.R. 4142, the Safer Communities Act of 2017, legislation aimed at reducing and preventing gun violence by keeping guns away from people who should not have them. The legislation closes the gaps in current federal gun policy by clarifying and expanding existing federal prohibitors related to mental health, substance abuse, history of violence, and other risk factors; provides states with the tools needed to strengthen and enforce gun violence prevention laws; provides resources for mental health crisis intervention services; and improves records reporting into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
“After nearly every gun violence tragedy, we’ve heard many say that guns are not the problem, mental health is. The Safer Communities Act we’ve introduced today would address that problem and keep guns out of the hands of the dangerously mentally ill,” said Rep. Thompson. “While those suffering from mental illness are far more likely to be victims than perpetrators of violent crimes, we recognize that improving our mental health system, and keeping firearms from those with other risk factors such as a history of substance abuse disorders and violence, can help prevent gun violence. And by improving intervention services, boosting evidence-based research, and giving law enforcement more tools to get guns out of the hands of those who pose a danger to themselves or others, we can make our country safer and get people the help they need, while also respecting the rights of law-abiding gun owners.”
“This is a common sense proposal to reduce the likelihood of individuals suffering from mental illness from accessing firearms. It’s important to keep guns away from individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others and instead provide them with the mental health services they need,” said Rep. Perlmutter. “We’ve seen far too many tragedies in our communities and we must take steps to prevent future tragedies by making gun violence less easy, less frequent and less deadly.”
The Safer Communities Act of 2017 clarifies and expands existing federal prohibitors to help keep guns away from those who are determined to pose a danger to themselves or others. Specifically, the legislation prohibits the purchase or possession of a firearm by individuals subject to involuntary outpatient commitment if a court finds they pose a significant and dangerous threat to themselves or others. Current federal law has been interpreted to apply only to inpatient commitments.
Recognizing that states play an important role in preventing gun violence and ensuring safe communities, the legislation provides states with the tools needed to strengthen and enforce gun violence prevention laws. Specifically, it further supports federal and state partnerships by providing grants to states to strengthen gun violence prevention laws that prohibit individuals with certain risk factors such as a history of dangerous mental illness, substance abuse, and violence from possessing firearms. For example, states could:
· Create laws that enable law enforcement to petition for a warrant to temporarily remove firearms when there is probable cause to believe that an individual poses an imminent risk of harm to self or others. The process by which a warrant is obtained and a gun is removed must be consistent with due process; and
· Create laws that temporarily prohibit the purchase and possession of a gun after an involuntary hospitalization on an emergency basis due to serious mental illness;
The legislation also requires the FBI to expand its current alert system so state and local law enforcement can pursue cases where prohibited persons try to purchase guns – particularly those prohibited due to serious mental illness.
Thompson and Perlmutter’s bill also provides resources for mental health crisis intervention services, boosts mental health research, enhances information sharing and research on gun violence, and improves the submission of mental health records into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), the database used to determine whether or not a prospective buyer is eligible to buy a firearm.
The bill changes the outdated and stigmatizing “mental defective” terminology currently used in federal firearms statute and replaces it with “ineligible due to disqualifying mental status.”
Finally, Safer Communities Act of 2017 establishes a minimum restoration standard, ensuring a fair restoration process of firearm ownership rights that balances public safety with individuals’ rights. One year after an individual’s involuntary commitment ends, they may petition the court to have their rights restored. The application must be accompanied by a clinical opinion of a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed mental health professional. After considering a variety of factors, the judge would determine if restoring gun ownership rights is compatible with the public interest.
Friday, October 6, 2017
Addressing gun violence in America
Source: American Bar Association
Washington, D.C. - October 6, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The American Bar Association joins our country in mourning the innocent people who lost their lives in Las Vegas and our sympathies go out to all those who were injured and traumatized by this pointless attack.
In the aftermath of yet another tragic mass shooting in America, more than sympathy is needed. The ABA will rededicate its efforts to facilitate changes to stop senseless gun deaths.
Legal experts from all backgrounds agree this can be done through sensible regulations, legislation and widespread education that can protect the safety of individuals and their constitutional rights. And the ABA is working with a broad coalition of medical societies and health organizations to address gun violence as a critical public health problem.
Effective and constitutional solutions exist. It is past time to work together to enact them.
Go to www.abalegalfactcheck.com for the ABA’s new feature that cites case and statutory law and other legal precedents to distinguish legal fact from fiction.
With more than 400,000 members, the American Bar Association is one of the largest voluntary professional membership organizations in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law.
Washington, D.C. - October 6, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The American Bar Association joins our country in mourning the innocent people who lost their lives in Las Vegas and our sympathies go out to all those who were injured and traumatized by this pointless attack.
In the aftermath of yet another tragic mass shooting in America, more than sympathy is needed. The ABA will rededicate its efforts to facilitate changes to stop senseless gun deaths.
Legal experts from all backgrounds agree this can be done through sensible regulations, legislation and widespread education that can protect the safety of individuals and their constitutional rights. And the ABA is working with a broad coalition of medical societies and health organizations to address gun violence as a critical public health problem.
Effective and constitutional solutions exist. It is past time to work together to enact them.
Go to www.abalegalfactcheck.com for the ABA’s new feature that cites case and statutory law and other legal precedents to distinguish legal fact from fiction.
With more than 400,000 members, the American Bar Association is one of the largest voluntary professional membership organizations in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law.
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Statements from Senators about Las Vegas Shooting
These are not all of the statements available, just all I had time to compile today.
Senator Robert P.Casey, Jr. - (D - PA)
"While we pray for the victims of this horrific attack and their families, it is not sufficient to just offer thoughts and prayers. The nation’s security continues to be at risk because Congress refuses to take real, meaningful action to curb gun violence. Congress must engage in a robust debate about commonsense ways to keep guns, particularly military-style weapons, out of the wrong hands. Congress should take up and vote on legislation to ban military-style weapons, limit the size and capacity of magazines, which contribute to deadly mass shootings, and put in place universal background checks. If Congress continues to fail its most basic obligation to keep America safe, then these mass shootings will continue to occur.”
Senator Michael F. Bennet - (D - CO)
"Sunday's mass shooting in Las Vegas was a devastating act of domestic terrorism. As investigations continue into the gunman's motives, we should restart a national conversation about gun violence that does not devolve into partisanship and demagoguery. Although we cannot prevent all evil acts, we can do our part to make them less likely-beginning with meaningful action from Congress to keep the wrong weapons out of the wrong hands. A reasonable first step should be a commonsense universal background check system that already has bipartisan support in the Senate. There is nothing more important than keeping our families and communities safe."
Senator Richard Burr - (R - NC)
“My heart is with the people of Las Vegas and their first responders today. This morning’s tragic violence has absolutely no place here in America. As we wait for a full accounting of events, Brooke and I will be praying for those lost and their families.”
Sendator Benjamin L.Cardin - (D - MD)
“I am heartbroken by the terror in Las Vegas. With the entire country, I am grieving for the senseless loss of life and praying for the victims, their families, and all those who were injured, whether by gunshot or the chaos that ensued. Much thanks also goes to the first responders who saved countless lives by helping those around them and running toward danger instead of away.
“Thoughts and prayers console victims and their families, but actions speak much louder. We must all be outraged at this latest shooting and we must act. Congress must act. States must act. Weapons of war should not be in the hands of civilians. We see the deadly results in Las Vegas just as we saw it in Orlando and Blacksburg, San Bernardino, Aurora, Sandy Hook, the streets of Baltimore, and elsewhere across this great country. We need to do everything in our power to stop the carnage of these shootings.
“How high does the death toll have to get before we enact real bipartisan reforms that will make the American public safer and reduce the risks that come from allowing such easy access to dangerous weapons primarily designed for the battlefield? Assault weapons are not needed to hunt deer or ducks; they are only meant to kill people – and they do far too often in this country. I urge my colleagues to be bold and fight to break the cycle of what can only be described as a callous disregard for the victims of gun violence. More talk and more prayers will not save lives. Only action and real changes in our federal and state laws can.”
Senator Thomas R. Carper - (D - DE)
“This morning, along with millions of people across the country, my heart sunk as I awoke to dreadful news. As innocent people came together in celebration of one of life’s simplest pleasures, the joy of music, their lives were ripped away in an abhorrent act of hate. I’m praying for the victims of this attack and for their loved ones, who are now living in a nightmare. My thoughts are with the people of Las Vegas. I am grateful for the law enforcement officers and first responders who jumped to action to save lives last night, and for the hospital staff who are working to heal the wounded this morning.
“It’s critical that federal, state and local law enforcement officials work together to get to the bottom of this attack. This is yet another brutal reminder that we must be vigilant here at home against threats of terrorism and face the grim reality that our gun safety laws need to be reexamined.
“I will continue to monitor this situation closely as we learn more information.”
Senator Cathrine Cortez Masto - (D - NV)
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed and wounded in last night’s vicious and senseless attack outside the Mandalay Bay Resort. I thank the first responders for taking down the gunman and working tirelessly to treat the wounded. I am working with the City of Las Vegas and Clark County to ensure that local officials have the resources they need to support our community and investigate these tragic events.”
Senator Mike Crapo - (R - ID)
"As our nation mourns and remembers the lives lost in Las Vegas, we gather in solidarity to uplift those left to heal and those left to grieve. I commend the selfless actions of first responders and everyday citizens who rushed to save, protect and care for their fellow man. Instances like this heinous crime seek to destroy our sense of security and aim to divide. May we unite in the fight against evil with an ever-vigilant drive toward peace."
Senator Richard J. Durbin - (D - IL)
“Gun violence is a public health crisis. There is no single law or policy that would prevent every tragic shooting, but let’s start working together to do something,” said Durbin. “We can’t stop the shootings that have already happened in Las Vegas, Chicago, Roseburg, Oregon, and across the nation. We failed to respond in time for those victims and their families. But if we work together, we can stop shootings in the future. That is something we should all strive to do. We must do all that we can to spare families the unimaginable pain that so many in Las Vegas are feeling in the aftermath of this horrible tragedy.”
Senator Dianne Feinstein - (D - CA)
“My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the horrific mass shooting in Las Vegas, the deadliest ever. With more than 50 dead and more than 500 wounded—many seriously—it’s clear that families and friends of the victims will need our support and compassion.
“We must not allow ourselves to become numb to these massacres that can snuff out so many lives in such a short time. It should shock every American that one individual, with easy access to weapons and ammunition, can inflict such devastation.
“As we learn more in the days to come, we should all think deeply about the circumstances of this shooting and work together to prevent such tragedies from happening again.”
Senator Robert P.Casey, Jr. - (D - PA)
"While we pray for the victims of this horrific attack and their families, it is not sufficient to just offer thoughts and prayers. The nation’s security continues to be at risk because Congress refuses to take real, meaningful action to curb gun violence. Congress must engage in a robust debate about commonsense ways to keep guns, particularly military-style weapons, out of the wrong hands. Congress should take up and vote on legislation to ban military-style weapons, limit the size and capacity of magazines, which contribute to deadly mass shootings, and put in place universal background checks. If Congress continues to fail its most basic obligation to keep America safe, then these mass shootings will continue to occur.”
Senator Michael F. Bennet - (D - CO)
"Sunday's mass shooting in Las Vegas was a devastating act of domestic terrorism. As investigations continue into the gunman's motives, we should restart a national conversation about gun violence that does not devolve into partisanship and demagoguery. Although we cannot prevent all evil acts, we can do our part to make them less likely-beginning with meaningful action from Congress to keep the wrong weapons out of the wrong hands. A reasonable first step should be a commonsense universal background check system that already has bipartisan support in the Senate. There is nothing more important than keeping our families and communities safe."
Senator Richard Burr - (R - NC)
“My heart is with the people of Las Vegas and their first responders today. This morning’s tragic violence has absolutely no place here in America. As we wait for a full accounting of events, Brooke and I will be praying for those lost and their families.”
Sendator Benjamin L.Cardin - (D - MD)
“I am heartbroken by the terror in Las Vegas. With the entire country, I am grieving for the senseless loss of life and praying for the victims, their families, and all those who were injured, whether by gunshot or the chaos that ensued. Much thanks also goes to the first responders who saved countless lives by helping those around them and running toward danger instead of away.
“Thoughts and prayers console victims and their families, but actions speak much louder. We must all be outraged at this latest shooting and we must act. Congress must act. States must act. Weapons of war should not be in the hands of civilians. We see the deadly results in Las Vegas just as we saw it in Orlando and Blacksburg, San Bernardino, Aurora, Sandy Hook, the streets of Baltimore, and elsewhere across this great country. We need to do everything in our power to stop the carnage of these shootings.
“How high does the death toll have to get before we enact real bipartisan reforms that will make the American public safer and reduce the risks that come from allowing such easy access to dangerous weapons primarily designed for the battlefield? Assault weapons are not needed to hunt deer or ducks; they are only meant to kill people – and they do far too often in this country. I urge my colleagues to be bold and fight to break the cycle of what can only be described as a callous disregard for the victims of gun violence. More talk and more prayers will not save lives. Only action and real changes in our federal and state laws can.”
Senator Thomas R. Carper - (D - DE)
“This morning, along with millions of people across the country, my heart sunk as I awoke to dreadful news. As innocent people came together in celebration of one of life’s simplest pleasures, the joy of music, their lives were ripped away in an abhorrent act of hate. I’m praying for the victims of this attack and for their loved ones, who are now living in a nightmare. My thoughts are with the people of Las Vegas. I am grateful for the law enforcement officers and first responders who jumped to action to save lives last night, and for the hospital staff who are working to heal the wounded this morning.
“It’s critical that federal, state and local law enforcement officials work together to get to the bottom of this attack. This is yet another brutal reminder that we must be vigilant here at home against threats of terrorism and face the grim reality that our gun safety laws need to be reexamined.
“I will continue to monitor this situation closely as we learn more information.”
Senator Cathrine Cortez Masto - (D - NV)
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed and wounded in last night’s vicious and senseless attack outside the Mandalay Bay Resort. I thank the first responders for taking down the gunman and working tirelessly to treat the wounded. I am working with the City of Las Vegas and Clark County to ensure that local officials have the resources they need to support our community and investigate these tragic events.”
Senator Mike Crapo - (R - ID)
"As our nation mourns and remembers the lives lost in Las Vegas, we gather in solidarity to uplift those left to heal and those left to grieve. I commend the selfless actions of first responders and everyday citizens who rushed to save, protect and care for their fellow man. Instances like this heinous crime seek to destroy our sense of security and aim to divide. May we unite in the fight against evil with an ever-vigilant drive toward peace."
Senator Richard J. Durbin - (D - IL)
“Gun violence is a public health crisis. There is no single law or policy that would prevent every tragic shooting, but let’s start working together to do something,” said Durbin. “We can’t stop the shootings that have already happened in Las Vegas, Chicago, Roseburg, Oregon, and across the nation. We failed to respond in time for those victims and their families. But if we work together, we can stop shootings in the future. That is something we should all strive to do. We must do all that we can to spare families the unimaginable pain that so many in Las Vegas are feeling in the aftermath of this horrible tragedy.”
Senator Dianne Feinstein - (D - CA)
“My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the horrific mass shooting in Las Vegas, the deadliest ever. With more than 50 dead and more than 500 wounded—many seriously—it’s clear that families and friends of the victims will need our support and compassion.
“We must not allow ourselves to become numb to these massacres that can snuff out so many lives in such a short time. It should shock every American that one individual, with easy access to weapons and ammunition, can inflict such devastation.
“As we learn more in the days to come, we should all think deeply about the circumstances of this shooting and work together to prevent such tragedies from happening again.”
Monday, October 2, 2017
Pocan Statement on Mass Shooting in Las Vegas
Washington, D.C. - October 2, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02) has released the following statement regarding the mass shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada. According to early news reports, the shooting claimed the lives of at least 50 people, surpassing the 2016 mass shooting in Orlando, Florida and making it the deadliest mass shooting in American history.
“My thoughts are with the victims of this senseless tragedy, their friends and families, and the City of Las Vegas. Much like the shooting in Orlando, these innocent Americans were doing something many of us have done, attend a concert. This attack was an act of terror and no one should have to experience a tragedy like the one that unfolded in Las Vegas.
“Members of Congress have the power to do something and we must do more than hold a moment of silence. We said never again after the shootings in Newtown, Charleston, San Bernardino, Orlando, and so many others. These events have become far too common and we can’t stay silent when thousands of Americans die from firearms every single year.
“As long as Congress fails to act, it is complicit in the deaths of innocent Americans. We must take commonsense actions like reinstating the assault weapons ban, ending the sale of high-capacity magazines, and closing loopholes in the background check system. For too long, Congress has rolled over when confronted by the NRA and the gun lobby and it’s time to finally take a stand. Congress must act now.”
“My thoughts are with the victims of this senseless tragedy, their friends and families, and the City of Las Vegas. Much like the shooting in Orlando, these innocent Americans were doing something many of us have done, attend a concert. This attack was an act of terror and no one should have to experience a tragedy like the one that unfolded in Las Vegas.
“Members of Congress have the power to do something and we must do more than hold a moment of silence. We said never again after the shootings in Newtown, Charleston, San Bernardino, Orlando, and so many others. These events have become far too common and we can’t stay silent when thousands of Americans die from firearms every single year.
“As long as Congress fails to act, it is complicit in the deaths of innocent Americans. We must take commonsense actions like reinstating the assault weapons ban, ending the sale of high-capacity magazines, and closing loopholes in the background check system. For too long, Congress has rolled over when confronted by the NRA and the gun lobby and it’s time to finally take a stand. Congress must act now.”
Napolitano’s Statement on Mass Shooting in Las Vegas
Washington, D.C. - October 2, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (CA-32) released the following statement on the mass shooting last night near the Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas, NV:
“This morning we learned yet another horrific act of gun violence had occurred in America; the deadliest mass shooting in our nation’s history. We grieve the tragic loss of over 50 innocent lives and extend our sympathies to all of the families and friends of the victims of the massacre. We pray for the more than 500 individuals who suffered injuries and those who are still waiting to hear from loved ones during this time of shock and horror. We thank all first responders who bravely rushed to the scene to rescue those in peril and prevent further casualties.
“The carnage that occurred breaks our hearts and confounds our minds. Additional counseling and supportive mental health services should be made available for all concert-goers, first responders, and the entire Las Vegas community. While we do not yet know all of the details, including the gunmen’s motive, we refuse to accept gun violence. Together we must act boldly to stop this epidemic and prevent tragedies. Our hearts remain with the city of Las Vegas and all Nevadans today.”
Napolitano serves as a Vice Chair of the House Democratic Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. She was appointed to the Task Force following the tragic shooting in Newtown, CT in 2012 to address mental health as a component of gun violence prevention. Napolitano is also the founder and Chair of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus.
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, call the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990.
“This morning we learned yet another horrific act of gun violence had occurred in America; the deadliest mass shooting in our nation’s history. We grieve the tragic loss of over 50 innocent lives and extend our sympathies to all of the families and friends of the victims of the massacre. We pray for the more than 500 individuals who suffered injuries and those who are still waiting to hear from loved ones during this time of shock and horror. We thank all first responders who bravely rushed to the scene to rescue those in peril and prevent further casualties.
“The carnage that occurred breaks our hearts and confounds our minds. Additional counseling and supportive mental health services should be made available for all concert-goers, first responders, and the entire Las Vegas community. While we do not yet know all of the details, including the gunmen’s motive, we refuse to accept gun violence. Together we must act boldly to stop this epidemic and prevent tragedies. Our hearts remain with the city of Las Vegas and all Nevadans today.”
Napolitano serves as a Vice Chair of the House Democratic Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. She was appointed to the Task Force following the tragic shooting in Newtown, CT in 2012 to address mental health as a component of gun violence prevention. Napolitano is also the founder and Chair of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus.
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, call the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990.
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