Gabby and Mark’s Statement on the Second Anniversary of the Tragedy at Sandy Hook

December 14, 2014

”Two years ago, Americans began to hear the news: 20 children and six of their teachers had been brutally gunned down in their classrooms at Sandy Hook Elementary School. In an instant, the lives of 26 families were changed forever. In the ensuing days, we heard stories of courage and bravery, but mostly, there was a lot of unspeakable heartbreak. ”Some days later, we had the opportunity to spend time with some parents of the victims. It is impossible to describe the enormity of their grief and pain. And we know it will never really go away. ”After the tragedy, many politicians in Washington said how outraged they were, how sorry they were, and how they would honor those 20 beautiful children by making everyone else’s safer. But then Congress did something truly remarkable: nothing. ”While states around the country from Connecticut to Washington have made great strides in protecting our communities from the threats of gun violence, Congress has refused to act. We have seen dysfunction drown out common sense – and we have seen that Congress remains in the gun lobby’s grip. We are deeply disappointed, but remain as determined as ever. ”We founded Americans for Responsible Solutions because Americans deserve better than words and broken promises – they deserve action. Americans deserve common sense and elected leaders who will stand up to the powerful special interests fighting to make it easier for criminals, stalkers and the dangerously mentally ill to access guns. ”While we know the hearts of the families of the 26 people who died in Newtown will never be fully repaired, we must continue to honor those who were lost on that clear December day by building the lasting legacy that they were never given the opportunity to create. We will never forget Sandy Hook.”