Udall Statement on President's Action to Prevent Gun Violence

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement:

"Recent mass shootings in Tucson, Newtown, Aurora, Charleston, Roseburg, San Bernardino and elsewhere have shocked and saddened us all, not just because of the tragic and senseless loss of life but because they have shed light on loopholes in our gun laws and deep problems in the availability of mental health care. Every day, 30 Americans die from gun violence - 100,000 have been killed over the last decade -- and in too many cases, these crimes were committed by people who never should have been able to purchase a gun in the first place. I support the rights of law-abiding New Mexicans who want to use guns for hunting, self-protection or recreation. And I believe we can respect their Second Amendment rights while taking commonsense action to prevent gun violence.

"The president took modest steps today to address some of the more glaring problems, but it isn't enough. The most important thing we can do to prevent gun violence is to keep guns out of the wrong hands, including criminals and those who are a danger to themselves or others because of mental illness. But in order to make real progress, Congress needs to act. I have voted for commonsense legislation to prevent gun trafficking, expand background checks and improve access to quality mental health care. Congress should enact these measures and reduce violent gun crimes while upholding the traditions of responsible gun owners in New Mexico and across the nation."