Gun Violence in America

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I stand in solidarity with my colleagues to demand commonsense legislation to address the epidemic of gun violence in America. Last week, I spoke on the House Floor in memory of Coral Wilson, a mother of 8 who was shot and killed on May 11, 2016 in Birmingham, Alabama by a domestic abuser. The shooter broke into the home of Ms. Wilson, and used a gun to murder her and shoot four of her children. Ms. Wilson was the 7th domestic gun violence homicide victim and the 41st gun violence homicide victim in Birmingham this year--Mr. Speaker, these deaths were never acknowledged by a moment of silence on the House Floor. Congress has repeatedly failed to pass commonsense gun safety measures that would protect our communities. Too much blood has been shed and we need action. We need stronger laws that prevent gun violence and we need it now. Make no mistake--strengthening background checks, eliminating gun show loopholes, and preventing potential terrorists and criminals from acquiring assault weapons will not limit the rights of lawful gun owners to protect and defend themselves. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., while sitting in a Birmingham, Alabama jail, wrote, ``injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.'' Mr. Speaker, enough is enough--the injustice of gun violence affects each and every one of our communities. Now is the time to take action to unite as one great nation and work together to secure justice for all Americans. Injustice anywhere--Orlando, Baton Rouge, Falcon Heights, Dallas, Birmingham--is a threat to justice everywhere.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source