Friends -

Five years ago today, a gunman attended a bible study at the Emanuel AME Church for almost one hour, pulled out a gun, and murdered nine of the worshippers.

That day brought terror and pain to the people of Charleston.

Once again, a house of worship became a scene of tragedy.

There is something particularly heartbreaking about violence in a place in which we seek peace, comfort, and community.

If our sacred spaces aren’t safe, where is? As a nation, we must reckon with the fact that this type of mass violence is a uniquely American problem.

We must also recognize that it is within our power to do something about it.

The gun safety majority in the House of Representatives knew that when they took historic action to pass background checks and address the Charleston loophole.

But Mitch McConnell’s Senate has instead chosen to do the unthinkable…

Nothing at all.

More than 90 percent of Americans support commonsense legislation that will make our communities safer.

Every moment we don’t act puts more Americans at risk. Places that should be safe, like our houses of worship, feel like they’re constantly under attack. This must change, and Congress has the power to change it.

It’s time for new leaders in the US Senate. It’s time for real action.

Thank you for standing with us,

The team at Giffords