TALLAHASSEE, FL. — In the aftermath of this morning’s mass shooting at the Pensacola Naval Air Station, which left four dead, including the gunman and many more people injured, The Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence is issuing the following statement:
“This morning we awoke to the horrific news that another mass shooting had taken place in America. As news continues to unfold we know that at least four people, including the gunman are dead and a number more people are injured including two sheriff’s deputies. The assault was the second at a U.S. Navy base this week and prompted a massive law enforcement response and a lockdown at the base. It is truly shocking that even our naval bases which are likely some of the most protected areas in the country are experiencing the awful effects of the gun violence epidemic in America.
Police have identified the gunman as a Saudi national and member of the country’s air force who was in the U.S. for flight training. Investigators are trying to determine whether the shooting was terror-related.
This senseless tragedy has pushed us to reup on our call on all Americans to hold elected officials, beginning with the current President, accountable for addressing our nation’s gun violence epidemic. The Coalition is working hard to enact legislation to ban semi-assault weapons and high capacity magazines and require Universal background checks including bills already filed for the 2020 legislative session.
As always, when this story fades, let us remember that the families of the deceased along with the victims themselves now have a life sentence of pain and trauma that cannot be wished away by thoughts and prayers.”
Co-Chairs Andy Pelosi and Angie Gallo###