Blumenthal Statement on NRA, President Trump Remarks Following Parkland Shooting

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement in response to remarks made by the National Rifle Association and President Trump earlier today on school shootings:

“President Trump and the NRA appear desperate to avoid confronting the real issue: guns. Their attempt to blame a mass shooting on anything but the weapon of war used to perpetrate it would be pathetic if it weren’t so dangerous.”

“While the NRA outrageously accused the media of ‘loving’ mass shootings, President Trump’s cruel attack on Americans living with mental illness is a despicable red herring – especially from a President who has aggressively slashed funding for mental health resources while in office. Meanwhile, the Republican Party seems more willing to turn schools into free-fire zones than to make a single concession to the NRA.”

“The idea of arming teachers is inane and insane – and soundly rejected by the education community – despite both the NRA and President Trump continuing to tout it. Militarizing our schools and sending children into classrooms wearing bulletproof backpacks is no answer to gun violence. I will fight for real reforms – inspired by the energy and courage of students who have marched in the street – including banning assault weapons, limiting high capacity magazines, and universal background checks.”