John,

Eighteen people lost their lives last Wednesday when a lone gunman suffering from mental illness, armed with an AR-15 and extensive military training, attacked a bowling alley and a nearby bar and grill in Lewiston, Maine. The victims, enjoying a night out with a youth bowling league and a cornhole tournament, on a typical weeknight in a quiet community never came home. My heart is with the families and friends who lost their loved ones in this senseless act of violence.

The tragedy in Maine marks the 565th mass shooting in the US in 2023 alone. That’s nearly two mass shootings per day. What’s painfully true is that this tragedy and so many others could have been avoided if Congress would enact simple gun safety standards.

Tell Congress: Ban assault rifles and high-capacity magazines.