Kamala Harris, California’s Attorney General, who is campaigning for the Califrnia U.S. Senate seat issued this statement today regarding Sunday’s Orlando tragedy:
We are all shocked and saddened by the horrific events in Orlando this weekend. My heart breaks for the young lives lost, and the community, families, and friends that have been irrevocably victimized by this disgusting and senseless violence, the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.
The attack was an act of hate and terrorism, one that targeted LGBTQ people. It also was an attack on our values as a nation and our fight for a more inclusive society.
The disturbing truth is that deaths due to gun violence happen far too often in our country.
As a prosecutor, I’ve seen the results of gun violence first-hand. I’ve seen the photos of victims. I’ve met with the families, talked to the friends, and witnessed how these acts not only cut victims’ lives tragically short, but rip apart the lives of those left behind.
Now is the time to do what we can to make our nation safer: reduce gun violence in America.
For far too long, the NRA has been allowed to use their resources to block Congress from action. One of my top priorities in the Senate will be to pass meaningful gun violence prevention legislation. I will fight to ban anyone in the terrorist screening database from purchasing guns; push for mandatory background checks; and stand with Senator Dianne Feinstein to reinstate the national assault weapons ban.
Finally, we cannot place the blame for one man’s heinous actions on the shoulders of the entire Muslim community. Just as we saw in Paris and San Bernardino, divisive rhetoric and discrimination against entire communities don’t just betray the values of our democracy, they fuel radicalization and make us less safe.
Today, we grieve together for the lives lost. In this time of tragedy, our shared values of equality and community can help us heal.
Kamala Harris
#PULSE #WEareORLANDO
@melanienathan1