Rep. Hirschauer Urges Gun Control Following Highland Park Shooting

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, released the following statement in response to the tragic Fourth of July shooting in Highland Park, Illinois:

“Yesterday, on a day dedicated to celebrating freedom, a community’s freedom to gather in peace was shattered by gunfire: a uniquely American tragedy on a uniquely American holiday. I stand in solace with the victims and survivors of yesterday’s mass shooting in Highland Park. My heart is with the community that, like so many other communities in this state and country, is reeling from the effects of gun violence.

“Gun violence is a complex and multifaceted public health crisis, but make no mistake — above all else, it is about guns.  It is about access to guns, proliferation of guns and adoration of guns. We cannot move forward in peace and security until we address access to assault weapons and high capacity magazines. No family should feel unsafe celebrating at a parade, shopping at their local grocery store, gathering in a park or dropping their children off at school. The state of Illinois has the power and opportunity to take decisive action that will keep our communities safe. We must act.

“We must honor the victims of this injustice not only with our words, but with our actions. That’s why I will continue fighting to ban assault weapons and high capacity magazines, and create an assault weapons registry. We are not free until we are safe from gun violence.”