Expressing Condolences to Those Affected by the Devastating Shooting Incident at Northern Illinois University

Floor Speech

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, on February 15, the United States watched in horror and despair as the lives of six innocent and promising students from Northern Illinois University were taken suddenly and cruelly. As we mourn this senseless tragedy, I would like to extend my thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.

The tragedy at NIU last month is just another painful reminder that the United States must do more to stem the flood of violence and ensure that our campuses are as safe and secure as possible. The incident at Northern Illinois comes only a week after a gunman opened fire on a college campus in Louisiana, and just 10 months after the tragic shooting at Virginia Tech that left 33 people dead.

I believe that in order for this disturbing trend to be curtailed the United States must adopt commonsense reforms that will reduce the number of assault and other high power weapons available to the public while also allowing responsible gun owners that right to bear arms.

I urge my colleagues to work with one another toward a solution that will prevent incidents like this one from taking place in the future.

Again, I want to extend my deepest sympathies to all the students at NIU--not only the victims and their families, but those students who are dealing with the aftermath of this horrific event. I know that the impact of this event will linger forever, but I also know that NIU will continue to be a vibrant center of learning.

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