Voto Latino Mourns Victims of Mass Shooting at Uvalde, Texas Elementary School and Asks: Where Is The Political Will To Prevent These Deaths?

In response to the news of Tuesday’s mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, Voto Latino President and CEO María Teresa Kumar issued the following statement:

“We are heartbroken for the families and the community in Uvalde who are suffering through the shock of another senseless, preventable tragedy. We mourn with a heavier heart knowing there are parents in Uvalde tonight who won’t get to pick up and hug their children.

We are saddened but we are also angry. Today’s shooting was another disturbing reminder of how countless American families have been touched by gun violence. Two years ago, a gunman motivated by hate murdered 23 individuals and injured dozens of others in El Paso. But instead of taking steps to ensure tragedies like the El Paso shooting never happen again, Republicans in Texas and across the country have done the opposite.

In 2021, Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill to allow Texans to carry handguns in public without a license or training. Other measures made it far easier to obtain and carry firearms — including one bill that made some 18-to-20 year olds eligible to obtain a handgun license. Instead of passing sensible legislation that would make these despicable crimes harder to commit, Republicans have focused on relaxing gun laws — and we’re living with the deadly consequences.

The Uvalde tragedy echoes the dark day at Sandy Hook Elementary School nearly 10 years ago. In the decade since then, due to Republican obstructionism, Congress has repeatedly failed to advance meaningful gun control legislation. The shooting today marks the 27th school shooting just this year. Congress must summon the political will to strengthen our gun laws immediately, because no more families should have to wonder whether their children will be safe at school.”

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Voto Latino is a grassroots political organization focused on educating and empowering a new generation of Latinx voters, as well as creating a more robust and inclusive democracy. Through innovative digital campaigns, culturally relevant programs and authentic voices, we shepherd the Latinx community towards the full realization of its political power.