Payne, Jr. Statement on 3rd Anniversary of Sandy Hook Tragedy

Newark, N.J. – Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10), a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, today released the following statement marking the 3rd anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting:

“On the 3rd anniversary of the Sandy Hook tragedy, we remember the 26 children and educators massacred while going about their daily lives. As we reflect on that day, we must acknowledge that we, as a nation, have failed to do enough to prevent gun violence and reduce the likelihood of future tragedies.

“The epidemic of gun violence in this country chips away at the foundations of our society, taking from us family members, friends, and loved ones. It’s an epidemic of mass shootings, but also of broader and routine gun violence in our communities. The time to act is now. We have a responsibility to the communities we have sworn to protect to implement meaningful, common-sense legislation to reduce gun violence and save lives.”