AAPI Victory Alliance on the Parkland School Shooting Anniversary, Addressing Ongoing Need for Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

WASHINGTON — Five years ago today, a lone gunman took the lives of 17 students and educators at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. In a matter of minutes, a legally purchased AR-15 assault rifle devastated the lives of dozens of families, and the life of an American community forever. AAPI Victory Alliance released a statement in commemoration of the 17 lives lost, highlighting the need for Congress to address the ever-growing epidemic of gun violence as the country deals with yet another mass shooting on a school campus.

AAPI Victory Alliance Executive Director Varun Nikore issued the following statement:

“Today, as we mourn with the Parkland community, we also mourn with the community of Michigan State University. When our children go to school, they should not have to fear for their lives. When parents send their children to school with book bags, they should not be greeted with body bags at the end of the day. This is completely unacceptable.”

“Over the last five years, the Parkland community has shown us something profound — how to turn tragedy into action. March For Our Lives was created by and has been led by diverse young people, for the purpose of eliminating the epidemic of gun violence, and has helped pass over 100 gun violence prevention bills across the nation.”

“AAPI Victory Alliance is proud to join March For Our Lives and dozens of other gun violence prevention organizations in demanding that Congress take tangible action to pass common-sense solutions to end the epidemic of gun violence, including passing enhanced background checks, banning assault weapons, and enacting red flag laws.”

“It’s clear that we did not act soon enough to prevent tragedies like Parkland and what happened at Michigan State University last night. But we have the power to prevent the next mass shooting, we just need our elected leaders to act, and that time is now!”

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