WASHINGTON, D.C. – Democratic Whip Katherine Clark issued this statement marking five years since the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. The anniversary comes in the wake of another tragedy on the Michigan State University campus. 

“My heart aches for the 17 lives stolen five years ago – and for the devastated families, friends, and classmates left to pick up the pieces.

“Summoning strength out of agony, Parkland students and parents have helped lead our nation’s march toward a future free from the scourge of gun violence. They have advanced that fight in the streets and in the halls of power – rallying Americans to action with extraordinary courage.

“Last year, President Biden and Congressional Democrats proudly joined with survivors and advocates to enact the Safer Communities Act – a key step forward in the fight to save lives. House Democrats will continue fighting to secure universal background checks, reinstate the Assault Weapons Ban, and bring this crisis to an end.

“As Americans were just reminded by the horrendous shooting in East Lansing, Michigan, there is much more work to do. We are only in the second month of 2023, and our country has already faced the horror of 67 mass shootings. Students, teachers, parents – everyone lives in fear awaiting the next tragedy. And while gun violence terrorizes communities across America, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle don assault rifle lapel pins in the halls of Congress, displaying their allegiance to weapons of war over American lives.  

“We are not powerless in this fight; it is a simple choice: people over politics.”