[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13096]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES TO THE VICTIMS OF THE SENSELESS SHOOTING IN 
                          LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 28, 2015

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to 
speak out against the loss of innocent lives that resulted from yet 
another unimaginable act of violence in our great country.
  I humbly ask the House to observe a moment of silence for the victims 
of the horrific tragedy that occurred in a movie theater in Lafayette, 
Louisiana, on July 23, 2015.
  My thoughts and prayers are with these victims, the families, and the 
friends of those who lost loved ones in this horrific shooting.
  From current reports, we know that the gunman unloaded over 13 rounds 
into the crowd at the movie theater late Thursday night.
  The gunman inexplicably began his rampage by firing shots into the 
seats directly in front of him, and then took his own life.
  His actions claimed the lives of two young women, Mayci Breaux and 
Jillian Johnson, and injured nine others at the Grand Multiplex Theater 
in Lafayette, Louisiana.
  I want to commend the rapid response by the law enforcement personnel 
that arrived at the scene and acted with courage and skill, likely 
preventing any further loss of innocent lives.
  Individuals who have a history of mental instability, as did this 
shooter, should never be allowed to possess a firearm.
  This is why my colleagues and I co-sponsored, H.R. 226, the ``Keeping 
Guns from High Risk Individuals Act'', which prevents individuals with 
a history of mental illness from gaining access to firearms.
  Tragic events such as this should not be a part of the American 
culture.
  Yet, in 2015 alone, we have had 204 mass shootings where innocent 
lives have been senselessly taken from our communities.
  No American should ever have to experience fear and violence when 
they are stepping out into their communities to participate in 
activities, such as going to the movies or attending a faith meeting.
  Americans have proven time and time again that we are capable of 
tackling the tough issues that face our nation and culture.
  Violent acts such as this highlight the need for serious and positive 
reforms to help enhance public safety.
  Congress needs to work with the President to develop and enact 
sensible gun violence prevention legislation.
  We cannot give up, no matter the obstacles placed before us.
  We can no longer be complacent or passive; we need to enact policies 
that could save lives.
  Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask, how many more lives and incidents 
will it take before Congress acts to take on this pressing issue?
  Are not the shootings in Aurora, Colorado; Sandy Hook, Connecticut; 
Charleston, South Carolina; Tucson, Arizona; Blacksburg, Virginia; and 
Chattanooga, Tennessee, or any of the other 200 mass shootings across 
the nation, enough to spur us to act?
  Mr. Speaker, it does not have to be this way; there are many actions 
we can take to reduce gun violence in America.
  All we have to do is summon the will.

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