Giffords Calls Out Gov. Rick Scott’s Hypocrisy in Aftermath of Parkland Shooting

February 15, 2018 — Following the devastating loss of 17 innocent lives at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland Florida, Giffords, the gun violence prevention organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly, responded to Governor Rick Scott’s comments in the media.

Statement from Peter Ambler, Giffords Executive Director:

“It’s astounding that, even after 17 children and teachers lay dead in a high school in Florida, Governor Rick Scott refuses to support the most basic, common sense, gun violence prevention policies. Under his watch, Florida has experienced at least three mass shootings in just two years. After each one, the governor stood before the media to offer his thoughts and prayers, all the while rejecting the solutions that might have prevented the tragedies. Governor Scott is, yet again, offering vague platitudes to distract from reality: gun violence is preventable, and he has repeatedly declined to support the policies that would save lives.”

Isabelle James, Giffords Political Director:

“One might think that Rick Scott’s well-known ambition to represent Florida in the United States Senate would motivate him to join the overwhelming majority of his constituents and support policies like universal background checks. Instead, he continues to embrace the gun lobby, earning an A+ rating from the NRA and continually refusing to act in the aftermath of tragedies. Voters are growing increasingly frustrated with their elected officials, and Rick Scott’s record of failing Floridians on safety won’t be forgotten when they head to the polls in November.”

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