Massachusetts

‘Not Again': New England Lawmakers React to Thousand Oaks Shooting

New England lawmakers took to Twitter on Thursday to react to an overnight shooting at a Southern California bar that left 12 people dead, including a sheriff's sergeant who responded to the call for help.

"In the last 2 weeks, Americans have been shot to death while gathering in worship, grocery shopping, attending yoga, and now, line dancing," U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark of Massachusetts said. "Gun violence has become as routine as these activities. We must act on commonsense reforms. Our lives depend on it. #ThousandOaks"

"Not again," remarked New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan. "I am devastated to hear of the murder of more innocent people in yet another mass shooting. Keeping in my thoughts the law enforcement officers and civilians who were killed or injured in Thousand Oaks. #enoughisenough"

New Hamphire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen called the shooting "heartbreaking," saying her thoughts are with the victims' families, survivors and local law enforcement.

"The City of Boston grieves with the families, friends, and @VenturaSheriff department today," Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said. "No one should have to feel the pain of losing a loved one because of a senseless act of violence. We must stop this."

"My heart goes out to the families of the victims and those wounded," Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren said. "This cannot continue. Congress must move to #EndGunViolence – now."

"My heart is with the victims of the #ThousandOaks shooting," Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey said. "Gun violence is an epidemic. It’s relentless. But we can’t get fatigued or become numb to tragedy. We too must be relentless in our efforts to stop the bloodshed, to pass real legislation. We owe it to those we’ve lost."

"To my colleagues - you’re blind if you don’t see what’s going on. Your unconscionable silence in the face of Newtown Orlando Las Vegas Parkland Pittsburgh is interpreted as endorsement by madmen contemplating mass violence," Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy said. "None of it is inevitable. WE CAN STOP ALL THIS."

"Our hearts are w/ #ThousandOaks," Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed added. "We owe it to innocent victims of horrific #BorderLineShooting & the 30,000+ Americans who are killed by #gunviolence each year to enact stronger #gunsafety laws. We need Pres Trump & GOP to come to table & help enact solutions to #EndGunViolence."

"As we wake up to yet another tragic mass shooting, our hearts are with the victims at Thousand Oaks, their families, and the first responders—including Sgt. Ron Helus, killed trying to stop the shooter," Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said. "We will never accept these tragedies as normal. Gun violence is preventable."

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