Lois Capps: “Last Thursday, yet another city, this time in central Kansas, was added to the list of communities across the country…”

“Last Thursday, yet another city, this time in central Kansas, was added to the list of communities across the country affected by gun violence. Three lives were taken, 14 injured, and many others changed forever. Sadly, many of us know all too well the pain that comes from acts of violence caused by the trigger of a gun. Ninety minutes before this shooter opened fire, he was served with a restraining order in response to a domestic violence report. Often these protection orders serve as the first notification to an abuser that the relationship is ending and, as in this case, that can lead to more violence. That is why I offered the Protecting Domestic Violence and Stalking Victims Act, a bill that would prevent individuals subject to judicial protection orders from temporarily purchasing or possessing a firearm. The hours right after an abuser is first served with a restraining order are the most volatile and dangerous, and it is only responsible to remove firearms from this situation temporarily. I urge my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring this commonsense bill. ____________________”