Heinrich Statement On Aztec High School Shooting

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement today on the shooting at Aztec High School in Aztec, New Mexico:

“I am distraught to learn of this tragic shooting at Aztec High School. This is a parent’s biggest nightmare--every child deserves to be safe at school. I want to thank and commend our local law enforcement officers, emergency first responders, teachers and staff who took immediate action to protect and aid those who were hurt. But Aztec now joins a list of communities touched by school shootings and gun violence that is far too long. We should all do what we can to support this great community in the days ahead. But we should also do more than that.

“While at this moment, it is too early for me to know the specific circumstances of this violent act, what is clear is that we have an epidemic of gun violence in this country that has touched far too many of us. All of us should feel an urgency to take concrete action to address this disease. I can promise you that I refuse to give in to the feeling of helplessness that too often follows these events. No matter the odds, I will continue to seek common ground with my colleagues in order to keep firearms out of the hands of those who would turn them on our families, friends and neighbors. ”