Sen. London Lamar responds to the mass shooting in Memphis

MEMPHIS — Tennessee Sen. London Lamar, D-Memphis, issued a statement today in response to a mass shooting committed by a 19-year-old who left four people dead and three others injured.

Sen. Lamar’s full statement:

The book of Psalms says “I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words.”

This morning, our families in Memphis are crying out for accountability and justice. We are hoping that, together, we can summon the courage to take real action against gun violence.

No community should have to live with the trauma of mass shootings and terrorism. But this isn’t the first senseless tragedy and it won’t be the last if we are unwilling to turn our prayers into action.

I have consistently fought for evidence-based reforms that prevent violent crime. We will continue our work to expand access to mental healthcare. And our mission to end generational poverty never ceases.

But our work is being crippled by policies that make it easier for dangerous people to access deadly weapons.

I am a gun owner, but I understand the right to carry must come with meaningful rules and responsibilities.

Again, I am asking anyone at the Capitol who will listen: Please acknowledge the deadly consequences of guns falling into the wrong hands and work with me to end gun violence against our families.