Sen. Raumesh Akbari statement on Gov. Bill Lee’s push on gun reform

NASHVILLE — Senate minority Leader Sen. Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, issued a statement urging the Republican supermajority to take up Gov. Bill Lee’s call for gun reform.

“In this moment, our families deserve action to stop future gun violence. The governor is right to make this a priority before session ends,” Sen. Akbari said. “Our caucus announced last week five common sense reforms to reduce gun violence, including expanded background checks and an extreme risk protection order law. When done right, these are smart and effective solutions to keep kids and families safe.

“We are ready to work with the governor and we urge our Republican colleagues in the legislature to move quickly to put gun reform legislation on his desk,” Sen. Akbari said.

Gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children in America.

On March 27, a mass shooter broke into The Covenant School in Nashville and murdered six Tennesseans, including three 9-year-olds.