Press Releases

Philadelphia, PA – Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Congressman Brendan Boyle (PA-02), and Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-03) today released the following statement in response to the mass shooting that occurred in the Kingsessing neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA, on the evening of July 3, 2023.

“Over the July 4th holiday, five of our neighbors lost their lives, and four others were injured in a random, premeditated killing carried out with an assault rifle. We are praying for their loved ones and for a speedy recovery for those injured during this cowardly act of senseless violence. 

“In the midst of this tragedy, we are grateful for the swift and heroic response by the Philadelphia Police Department, and particularly officers from the 12th District. Their immediate response to the victims of the shooter and apprehension of the armed suspect no doubt prevented further terror and chaos. 

“The trauma inflicted on this community is unimaginable – but it is preventable.

“The violent disruption of a day that symbolizes our nation’s fundamental values of freedom and unity is a harrowing reminder that this is not the freedom our founders imagined. It is inconceivable that the founders who prioritized ensuring domestic tranquility and promoting the general welfare would not embrace common sense measures necessary to protect the lives of American children and families. It’s time to prioritize human lives over political divisions and enact the change our communities desperately need. 

“House Democrats are working right now to pass common sense gun safety legislation that strengthens background checks and keeps dangerous weapons off our streets. On June 13, we introduced three discharge petitions that would ban assault weapons, require universal background checks, and close the Charleston loophole, providing the opportunity to advance commonsense gun reforms despite obstruction by Speaker McCarthy and the Republican majority. We've seen just how powerful an assault weapons ban can be with the 1994-2004 Assault Weapons Ban that significantly reduced the number of deaths and injuries from mass public shootings. We are once again calling upon Republican leaders to stand up to the gun lobby and bring this legislation to a vote in the House of Representatives.

“We must take action to create a safer society where individuals can exercise their rights responsibly while also curbing the senseless loss of innocent lives.”

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