Washington, D.C. — OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates released the following statement in the aftermath of the mass shooting in Allen, Texas:

OCA sends our deepest condolences to the community in Allen, Texas. We pray for the safety and well-being of the 6-year-old Korean American boy in critical condition who lost his mother, father and brother, as well as the surviving families of the other victims, which include members of the South Asian and Latino immigrant communities.

 “There have been too many senseless acts of violence this year alone,” said OCA-Greater Houston Chapter President H.C. Chang. “Our lawmakers have a responsibility to protect the community they serve. They must come together to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines as they are tools for war, which have no place in our communities.”

“There have been efforts to ban assault weapons, but it is not enough,” said OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates National President Linda Ng. “More comprehensive action is needed, in addition to Senator Diane Feinstein’s bill to ban assault weapons and limit high-capacity magazines to 10 rounds. Lawmakers must prioritize public safety over the interests of the gun lobby and the gun manufacturers. Assault weapons were banned in 1994, and during that time, the country saw a significant drop in gun massacres and gun crimes traced to assault weapons. This ban must be reinstated to prevent further senseless tragedies.”

 “An overwhelming majority (90%) of Americans support common sense gun reform, including banning assault weapons,” said OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates Executive Director Thu Nguyen. “It is time for our elected leaders to listen to the voice of the American public and pass gun reform legislation. Inaction is not an option. OCA calls on Congress to immediately ban assault weapons in this country to keep all Americans safe.”