Approaching First Anniversary of Mass Shooting at Capital Gazette, Maryland Senators Renew Call for Gun Safety Legislation

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) today reflected on the first anniversary of the deadliest newsroom shooting in American history and called upon their Republican colleagues in the Senate to enact commonsense gun safety measures immediately.

“Friday marks one year since we lost Gerald Fischman, Rob Hiaasen, John McNamara, Rebecca Smith, and Wendi Winters. On this day — and every day — we should celebrate their lives and commemorate their good works. But this is not enough. Congress continues to languish in inaction as Senate Republicans refuse to take action on gun violence. This is nothing more than pure cowardice. I will continue calling on my colleagues to set aside politics and act in response to the will — and the best interests — of the American people. Anything less is unacceptable,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“One year ago at the Capital Gazette, five innocent people died while supporting a publication that has long held an unwavering commitment to preserving the freedom of speech in our community. We will remember their lives and their contributions and their families, and we will not stop working to advance badly needed gun safety legislation that is long past due,” said Senator Cardin.  “Unfortunately, those lost at the Capital Gazette were not alone. In this country, more than 300 people are shot and 100 killed every single day of the week, seven days a week. This is completely unacceptable, and it should make it unthinkable to do nothing. Yet that is exactly what Senate Republicans are doing – refusing to vote on expanded background checks, to close the gun-show loophole, or to renew the ban on assault weapons. Their inaction must no longer be an option.”

Earlier this week, Senators Van Hollen, Cardin, and Portman (R-Ohio) introduced legislation that would authorize a national memorial to fallen journalists. The privately funded memorial would be constructed on federal lands within the District of Columbia and honor journalists, photographers, and broadcasters killed in the line of duty.

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