Washington, D.C. – Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Chair Mike Thompson released the following statement today in response to the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota: 

“I'm sickened by the senseless shooting at Annunciation Catholic School’s mass this morning in Minneapolis. My heart is with the families who have lost their children today and with all of those injured while praying.

“Our kids shouldn't fear being gunned down while they pray in church. Nor should any American fear being gunned down at school, at the movies, at the grocery store, or anywhere else they go.

“How many more kids need to be shot before Republicans step up to end this gun violence epidemic? President Trump, Speaker Johnson, and Senate Majority Leader Thune have blood on their hands.

“President Trump and Republican Congressional Leaders dismantled the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, flooded our streets with bump stocks, legalized machineguns, stopped enforcing gun dealers that traffic firearms to felons, cut taxes on firearm silencers, blocked background checks and red flag laws, and the list goes on.

“It's time they answer for their cruelty. Man up and work with Democrats to pass legislation to protect our kids.”