Friends,

Over the weekend, 31 people lost their lives and more than 50 others were injured in two horrific acts of violence less than 24 hours apart. Dozens more were killed and injured in acts of gun violence that didn't make the headlines.

It's clear that the motivations of the El Paso shooter were inspired by racism, and both gunmen were intent on causing as much carnage as possible. We must confront the real challenge we have in this country with domestic terrorism and white nationalism. That means dedicating resources to investigate, block, and stop acts of domestic terrorism fueled by bigotry and racial hatred.

We need a comprehensive solution and we need to be willing to work with people from across the political spectrum, but we have to make gun safety legislation a part of any meaningful solution.

Entire communities are being ripped apart by this national crisis, and that won't change unless we act to stop gun violence. The House passed a bipartisan background check bill over 150 days ago, and it's been sitting on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's desk ever since.

The Senate should go back into session and make it clear we're going to take action on the gun violence epidemic once and for all. We should pass the House bill, and we should take up and pass other commonsense measures, like the NICS Denial Notification Act.

Senator Pat Toomey and I are leading the effort to pass the NICS Denial Notification Act because it makes sure that federal officials notify law enforcement in every state when a person prohibited from owning a weapon lies on an application and tries to buy one through the national background check system. Right now, no one is notified of a "lie and try" attempt in the 37 states where the federal government runs the background check. This simple measure can make a big difference in empowering law enforcement to stop tragedies before they happen.

It's time to put politics aside and do something about this national crisis. Thoughts and prayers aren't enough, we must act now.

Thank you,

Chris

P.S. If you'd like to provide immediate assistance to victims and families in El Paso and Dayton, you can use the links below to donate directly to these efforts.

El Paso Victims Fund >> [link removed]

Dayton Foundation >> [link removed]





Contributions or gifts to the Chris Coons for Delaware are not tax deductible.


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