Gun Violence Prevention

Statement on the Mass Shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX

The Gun Violence Prevention (GVP) Caucus of the Illinois General Assembly stands in mourning with our fellow Americans and the families of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, and every mass shooting nationwide. Our hearts go out to the nineteen children and two teachers who were tragically taken from their families, friends, community, and loved ones.

Gun violence is a public health crisis in our country and claims the lives of over 1,400 Illinoisans a year. Compared to other high-income countries, American children and youth are 21 times more likely to be killed with guns. Here in Illinois guns are the leading cause of death in our children ages 1-17 years old.

We urgently need common sense approaches to end gun violence. Through the terrible loss in Uvalde and the twenty plus mass shootings that have occurred since then, we recommit ourselves to honor the victims with our action. We resolve to work to end this senseless violence by advancing the strongest and most effective initiatives, policies, and legislation that will prevent and reduce gun violence in Illinois.

Signed: