Friends,

As of the 217th day of 2019, there have been more than 250 mass shootings. Once again, the gun violence epidemic rears its ugly head in America. In less than 24 hours, two mass shootings have left at least thirty dead and mark the third mass shooting of the week. The Gilroy Garlic Festival shooting, which claimed the lives of 3 people, was just last week.

Republicans continue to reject sensible gun legislation, supported by the vast majority of Americans, in the name of protecting their second amendment rights. We join the nation in mourning the loss of innocent lives. However, we know that thoughts and prayers are not enough, so we vow to take action to combat this rise in hate and intolerance.

At the state level, the Republicans have proven again and again that if we want sensible legislation to stop gun violence, the only way is to vote them out.  Last month, Republican state lawmakers abruptly shut down a special session meant to address gun violence in the wake of the Virginia Beach shooting. Most Republicans in the Virginia General Assembly apparently believe there should be any amount of any kind of guns, for anyone, at any time and in any place. Virginia Republicans refuse even to talk about a universal background checks bill, reinstating Virginia's one-handgun-a-month law, or a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Here in Fairfax County, Tim Hugo is part of this legislative blockade. We need to defeat him and elect Dan Helmer to the House of Delegates in November.

The Democratic House of Representatives is doing its job but the United States Senate is failing the nation. Mitch McConnell refuses to bring the Senate back into session to vote on bills like H.R. 1112 or  H.R. 8 which is titled “The Bipartisan Backgrounds Check Act of 2019”, passed in February. The proposed measures would require background checks on all firearm sales across the country and strengthen existing checks.  Call McConnell's office at (202) 224-2541 to demand he let the Senate consider meaningful legislation.

In response to the recent tragedies, please join a coalition of groups such as the Northern Virginia chapters of March for Our Lives and the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, in addition to Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton, for a Vigil for Remembrance & Change to demand action and remember the victims of senseless gun violence. The vigil will be held tonight, on August 5th, from 8- 9 p.m at the National Rifle Association headquarters at 11250 Waples Mill Rd. in Fairfax. We encourage everyone to come and show their support for action to stop gun violence.

TONIGHT FROM 8:00 - 9:00pm

Vigil for Remembrance and Change
at the National Rifle Association Headquarters
11250 Waples Mill Rd.
Fairfax, VA
Park across Waples Mill Rd. Use your own sign or use signs banners which will be provided.
Click here for facebook event