The Press-Enterprise: Inland Reps Mark Tucson Shooting Anniversary

Two newly elected Inland representatives to Congress marked the second anniversary of the Tuscon, Ariz. mass shooting by calling for stricter gun control to prevent more killings.

 

In an emailed statement, U.S. Rep. Mark Takano, D-Riverside, asked for thoughts and prayers to be directed to the families of the six killed and 14 wounded outside a Tuscon supermarket on Jan. 8, 2011, when then-Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was hosting an event for constituents.

 

Jared Lee Loughner, who was later diagnosed as paranoid schizophrenic, pleaded guilty to the shootings and is serving a life sentence. Giffords resigned from her seat to recover from her wounds and this month announced the formation of a group dedicated to stopping gun violence.

 

In his statement, Takano, who was elected last November to represent the newly formed 41st Congressional District, noted that since Tuscon, mass killings involving guns took place in Aurora, Colo., Oak Creek, Wisc. and Newtown, Conn.

 

“While I realize that there is no single solution for preventing mass shootings, I refuse to believe that our current system is the best we can do,” Takano said.

 

“President Obama has promised to present gun violence legislation this month and I encourage the President to take an ‘all of the above’ approach – dealing with military style assault weapons, mental health funding, extended clips, and the closing of loopholes.

 

“Our country is undoubtedly at its best when we come together to solve the challenges before us. Let us honor the memories of those fallen in Tucson, Aurora, Oak Creek, and Newtown by committing ourselves to finding ways to prevent similar tragedies from ever happening again.”