Washington, DC—Below is a statement by U.S. Conference of Mayors President Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther on today’s shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia:
“America’s mayors are horrified that two students and two teachers were killed and nine more people were injured at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia today. We send our condolences to the victims’ families, friends, and community and stand with Winder Mayor Jimmy Terrell as he works to comfort residents and help his community heal.
“How many children must die, how many adults must die, before our nation takes action to reduce gun violence? We must and we can do more to protect people from this senseless slaughter.
“While Congress passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2022 – the first gun safety legislation in 28 years – much remains to be done to protect our children, our residents, our communities and our nation. Mayors are doing everything they can to prevent and reduce gun violence in their cities, but Congress must act now to pass and send to the President common sense gun safety legislation that includes universal background checks and a ban on assault weapons, large capacity magazines and bump stocks.
“We know what we need to do. It is time to put aside partisan differences and meet the moment before another life is lost and another community is shattered.”