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Pelosi Statement on the One-Year Anniversary of the Aurora Tragedy

July 19, 2013

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today marking the one-year anniversary of the shooting in an Aurora movie theater that took the lives of 12 innocent victims. The anniversary falls tomorrow.

“One year ago, a lone gunman took the lives of 12 innocent Americans in Aurora, Colorado. Their loss struck a chord in the hearts of every parent and every family – and remains a source of grief to this day. Yet, in the wake of this horrific tragedy and in the year since, the strength of the Aurora community has been an extraordinary source of inspiration to our country, a reminder that a senseless act of violence cannot shake the resolve of the American people.

“In Congress, there can be no more fitting memorial to the lives lost in Aurora, in Newtown, and across the country than a concerted effort to enact commonsense gun safety legislation. We must uphold our oath to ‘protect and defend’ the constitution and all Americans by expanding background checks and keeping dangerous firearms out of the wrong hands. We must restore confidence in the safety of our homes, schools, movie theaters, and neighborhoods by taking clear, concrete steps to prevent gun violence.

“On this solemn anniversary, our thoughts and prayers remain with the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims of Aurora. May they continue to feel the love and support of our nation. May time heal their pain and grief. May the memories of those lost always remain a blessing for all Americans.”

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