Feinstein Statement on Gilroy Shooting

Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today released the following statement on the shooting in Gilroy, Calif.:

            “I couldn’t believe it when I turned on the television this morning and saw the bright young face of Stephen Romero, shot to death in Gilroy on Sunday.

            “To have this happen in an elementary school, a movie theater, a church, a mall, a synagogue, an office building and now a food festival truly shows that nowhere is safe from this epidemic of gun violence.

            “The insistence of Senate Republicans to block bills that could lower the death toll is infuriating. We know these weapons are falling into the wrong hands and we know there are ways to prevent this from happening, but still Republicans block our every effort to help.

            “The gun used by the Gilroy shooter was an AK-47 type assault rifle. This weapon is illegal to buy or possess in California, which appears to be why the shooter crossed into Nevada to buy the gun.

            “The Assault Weapons Ban legislation I introduced earlier this year would have prevented that sale from happening. It’s time for Congress to debate this bill and vote on it.

            “There are other bills out there that deserve to see the light of day including bills to require comprehensive background checks, help establish extreme-risk laws, prohibit the purchase of high-capacity magazines and eliminate loopholes that allow prohibited individuals from acquiring guns.

            “I’ve asked this question before and I’ll ask it again: How many have to die before congressional Republicans realize we need stricter laws? It’s far, far beyond the time to act.”