Hoyer Statement on the One-Year Anniversary of the Shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
"One year ago today, a deadly shooting upended the lives of students, teachers, administrators, and families of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. We also remember the horrific shooting on this day eleven years ago at Northern Illinois University and the many other school shootings that took place before and since. As we remember those who died and the others who were injured, we mourn them and offer comfort to their families and their community.
“In the aftermath of the tragedy in Parkland, Americans of all ages – but particularly young people – took action by marching, raising their voices, and demanding an end to a broken system and loopholes that allow dangerous firearms to fall into the hands of those who cannot be trusted to bear them responsibly. House Democrats are meeting that call to action by advancing legislation to require background checks for every firearm purchase and close loopholes, and I look forward to bringing this legislation to the Floor in the coming weeks. We can never undo the senseless horrors of last February 14, but we can and must honor the legacy of the victims by committing to end our nation’s epidemic of gun violence.”