Texas Church Shooting: Newtown Groups React To Latest Massacre

NEWTOWN, CT — Groups formed after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting are speaking out after the latest mass shooting at a church in Sutherland Springs, TX, that claimed the lives of 26 victims. The Newtown Action Alliance demanded action once again, calling on all Americans to demand action on gun control legislation.

"When will America say enough and demand action? After the deadly Las Vegas mass shooting incident one month ago, America’s elected leaders offered up only thoughts and prayers and took no action to end the scourge of gun violence in America," The group's statement said. "The media and the majority of Americans quickly moved on after the deadliest mass shooting incident in modern U.S. history."

The shooting claimed the life of 26 victims, the same number of students and teachers slain on 12/14. The group further noted that two of the deadliest shootings in modern U.S. history occurred within just over one month of each other, following the shooting in Las Vegas.

"Regrettably, elected leaders are not the only ones culpable for the rising rate of gun violence in America," The statement continued. Until more Americans make gun violence prevention a priority and demand accountability from their elected leaders, there will be more and more horrific mass shooting incidents, everyday gun violence and gun suicides in all our communities."

Sandy Hook Promise also issued a statement on the shooting, calling for conversation on gun violence.

Devin Patrick Kelley, the suspect in Sunday's mass shooting at a Sutherland Springs church, was denied permit to carry a firearm, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Monday. President Donald Trump said the shooting was a mental health problem, not a gun problem. "We have a lot of mental health problems in our country, but this isn't a gun situation," said Trump, who described the gunman as "deranged" and had a "mental health problem at the highest level."

The Newtown Action Alliance called for the passage of 20 gun laws, including increased background checks and the banning of bump-fire stocks. The group said gun violence is a public health issue.

"Over 500,000 Americans have been killed or injured by guns and there have been more than 1,500 mass shooting incidents since the Sandy Hook shooting tragedy," the statement said. "Like the opioid crisis, gun violence is a public health emergency."

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