6th-D House Republican Candidate Reacts To Texas Massacre

CHESTER COUNTY —Guy Ciarrocchi, Republican candidate for 6th Congressional District, on Thursday issued a statement in response to Tuesday’s massacre of 19 children and two adults at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.

Ciarrocchi is running against Democratic Incumbent Chrissy Houlahan, an Air Force Veteran, who issued a statement Wednesday calling for legislation to strengthen gun control.

The 6th District covers all of Chester County and southeastern Berks County.

Ciarrocchi said he and his wife, Chris, continue to pray for the victims and give thanks for those helping them at this most tragic time.

The families of the victims, meanwhile, are grieving the loss of their loved ones. In addition to the deaths, 17 others were wounded.

A law enforcement officer killed the shooter, 18-year-old Salvador Ramos, a Uvalde High School student.

In response to a request from Patch.com for a reaction to the horrific deaths, Ciarrocchi issued this statement:

“Every American is horrified by the tragic events in Texas. It is understandable that we both grieve and want action to prevent this from happening again.

"Policy-makers must act with our heads, not just our hearts. Knee-jerk reactions—especially for partisan gain—are harmful. Yet, it is also wrong to say the problems are so complex that we do nothing. Both reactions are unacceptable.

"The answer is complicated: we are duty-bound to find common-ground and common-sense answers. I want to be part of this comprehensive solution."

Ciarrocchi recommended these solutions.

"Increased school security. Improved mental health counseling. Encouraging and supporting the family as an important part of society. Engaging parents, not keeping them at arm's-length. And, tough, smart law enforcement.”