Lanane on weekend shootings: The time to act is now

INDIANAPOLIS– Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) released the following comments in response to the two mass shootings that took place across the country this weekend:

“I am shocked and outraged at the shootings that occurred over the weekend in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio. My heart goes out to the families and loved ones who lost their mothers, fathers, siblings, parents and friends over the weekend.

“I worry for my own family and our own state who are not immune from the effects of hatred, violence and bigotry that produce these mass killings. This weekend serves as two more unnecessary and heartbreaking reminders that we must change our gun laws. The Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus has fought for years to close firearm sale loopholes, ban bump stocks and raise the purchasing age to no avail amidst the supermajority.

“There also has to be a change of heart for many Americans who believe that one race or one gender or one religion is better than another. This is why my caucus and I fought so ardently against passing a hate crimes law that was anything but fully inclusive. Lives are quite literally on the line.

“Simple access to firearms capable of mass carnage must come to an end. The time for all lawmakers to acknowledge this and protect all our citizens is far overdue. Action should not wait until it is our own brother’s or sister’s or cousin’s or grandkid’s name in the headlines. The time to act is now.”