CHICAGO – State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, D-Chicago, issued the following statement after the tragic and deadly shootings in El Paso, Texas, Dayton, Ohio, and Chicago over this past weekend:

“Gun violence everywhere is a public health crisis that Donald Trump and his allies in Washington continue to ignore. Thoughts and prayers will not provide the solutions that are necessary to combat senseless gun violence head on. Illinois can be a leader on gun safety reform and violence prevention, and I plan to be a strong voice in support of new safety reforms and community investment to keep people and communities safe by closing loopholes and addressing the root causes of violence.

“Illinois recently enacted a 72-hour waiting period to obtain a firearm, but people deserve to see more action that will protect them. Illinois needs to fix the FOID by eliminating existing loopholes that allow dangerous individuals to obtain deadly assault weapons and commit crimes, as was the case in Aurora this year. These weapons of war should be banned in Illinois.

“Consistent issues highlighted alongside the lack of necessary gun safety laws include the severe lack of mental health funding, in particular for trauma support in the aftermath of violence and the hateful rhetoric out of Washington. While Trump fails us again, Illinois can pick up the mantle and lead the charge for real gun safety reform and violence prevention.”

LaPointe represents the 19th District, which covers portions of Chicago’s Big Oaks, Dunning, Gladstone Park, Jefferson Park, Portage Park, Union Ridge and West Portage Park neighborhoods, and River Grove, Elmwood Park, Norridge and Harwood Heights.