Gabrielle Giffords Responds to Shooting in Jacksonville

August 26, 2018 — Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, co-founder of the gun violence prevention organization Giffords, issued the following statement reacting to the news that a gunman opened fire at the Jacksonville Landing mall in Jacksonville, Florida:

“The nation once again looks to Florida with grief and heavy hearts. The massacre in Jacksonville is a tragic reminder of the threats we face from gun violence, no matter who we are or where our day takes us. And it’s yet another devastating indictment of this country’s inability to keep our kids safe.

“We do not have to accept these horrific acts of violence as routine. Congress knows steps they can take to stop this madness. Too many of them simply lack the courage to act.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this shooting, their families, and their friends. Of course, they are with the people of Florida who have endured so much senseless loss in recent years.

“But for those with the power to pass laws that will save lives, thoughts and prayers are not enough. They can fix this. They can keep our kids safe in classrooms, churches, at concerts, and in arcades.

“And should they choose not to, then it is our job to do everything we can this November to elect a Congress that will.”

Gun law and law enforcement experts are available for interviews tonight. To arrange a time to speak with an expert, email media@giffords.org. 

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  Giffords is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives from gun violence. Led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, Navy combat veteran and retired NASA astronaut Captain Mark Kelly, Giffords inspires the courage of people from all walks of life to make America safer.