Mazie Hirono: “last week, my colleague Senator Blumenthal stood on the floor of this Chamber to talk about the epidemic of gun violence…”

“last week, my colleague Senator Blumenthal stood on the floor of this Chamber to talk about the epidemic of gun violence in our country. Gun violence is an issue that hits close to home for my friend from Connecticut. Seven years ago, his home State was the site of one of the most horrific acts of gun violence anyone can imagine. A young man armed with an assault rifle opened fire in Sandy Hook Elementary School, murdering 20 first graders and 6 adults. While he spoke on the floor of this Senate, Senator Blumenthal was handed a note informing him that, at that very moment, an active shooter was on the loose at another school--this one in Santa Clarita, CA. This marked the 243rd instance of gun violence at a school in this country since the massacre at Columbine High School in 1999. Sadly, today, school shootings have become almost routine and commonplace. It has gotten to the point that students are fearful but, sadly, not surprised when a shooting occurs at their school. Following an attack last year at Santa Fe High School in Texas that killed eight students and two teachers, 17-year-old student Paige Curry was asked whether there was a part of her that couldn't believe this happened at her school. Her response was heartbreaking. She said: There wasn't. She said: It's been happening everywhere. I've always felt it would eventually happen here too.…”