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Pelosi Statement on the 19th Anniversary of the Columbine Shooting

April 20, 2018

Contact: Ashley Etienne/Henry Connelly, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement to mark the nineteenth anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting:

"Nineteen years ago, 13 beautiful lives were cut short in an act of unthinkable tragedy and horror. Heartbreakingly, since that dreadful day, the epidemic of gun violence continues to take a devastating toll in our schools and communities.

"Today, a generation of courageous young people who grew up in the shadow of Columbine are standing up, speaking out and demanding that we finally take commonsense action to end the violence. Yet, Republicans in Congress continue to prioritize their allegiance to the NRA above the survival of innocent Americans, fighting tooth and nail against the most basic gun violence prevention measures, including background checks – which 97 percent of the American people, including gun owners, support.

"While Republican leaders abandon their oath to protect the American people, the private sector has heard the passionate calls of these brave young people and taken the lead to combat gun violence. Airlines, car rental agencies, financial institutions and retailers are joining millions of Americans to say ‘enough is enough' and to take action to end the NRA's stranglehold on our politics.

"On this sorrowful anniversary, our hearts are with the victims, survivors and families of Columbine, and our voices are with all Americans demanding action to end this daily horror. Democrats will never relent until all our schools and communities are safe from the devastation of gun violence."

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