On Saturday, Democratic legislators condemned the violent attacks in Buffalo, New York and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
They resulted in more than ten deaths and dozens of injuries, issuing calls to action.
72-year-old civil rights activist Katherine "Kat" Massey of #Buffalo's Black community was among the 10 people slain in the #BuffaloMassacre.
"She was unapologetic about making sure our community was not ignored."
Per @TheBuffaloNews: https://t.co/veanP2CwR8
— Philmonger (@phillipmbailey) May 15, 2022
The Associated Press said on Saturday, a shooter wearing a vest entered a Tops Friendly Store in Buffalo, pulled out a firearm, and opened fire.
The shooter, according to authorities, live-streamed the attack.
Hate Crime
The perpetrator killed at least ten people before being apprehended by authorities. Authorities have stated the event is being investigated as a hate crime.
According to the Associated Press, more than 21 people were injured in three different shootings in downtown Milwaukee the night before.
Rep. Brian Higgins (D-NY), whose district encompasses Buffalo, tweeted: “We are discussing with local leaders and police to offer any federal assistance necessary.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) stated he was monitoring the situation and encouraged the public to listen to local law enforcement officials.
White Supremacy is Terrorism. A crime against Black humanity NOT Mental Illness.Stop raising White terrorists to see Racism as birthright & Whiteness a religion#WhiteSupremacy is so normalised White ppl breathe it like air#BuffaloMassacre #PaytonGendronhttps://t.co/oMGoayc9cX
— Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu (@SholaMos1) May 15, 2022
“Last night’s needless gun violence in Milwaukee has left me devastated. My heart aches for the victims, their families, and the community of Milwaukee.” Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) expressed her hopes for a swift recovery.
“This is yet another terrible reminder that we must work together to combat gun violence.”
Gun Violence
A number of legislators decried the alleged racist intentions behind the killings in Buffalo and demanded that Congress take action to curb gun violence.
“My heart goes out to the loved ones of the victims, our first responders, and the whole Buffalo community.” Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY) tweeted, “Racism, prejudice, and intolerance have no place in our state or nation.”
“I commit to the people of New York that I will continue to work tirelessly to pass sensible gun safety measures and confront and vanquish white supremacy as a scourge.”
“I am aware that we cannot end all gun violence, but can we finally recognize that inaction is embarrassing?” Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.) said.
“At the very least, the Senate may schedule a vote on the background check legislation we passed. We may be able to save a life. Today, we are once again reminded that we must attempt to.”
Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) criticized the Republican Party for its stance on gun control, while referencing its efforts to restrict abortion access.
Maloney tweeted, “Racist radicals are equipped to the teeth with weapons of mass murder in our nation, and the ‘pro-life’ party doesn’t give a damn about stopping it.”
“Heartbreaking headlines from Buffalo, New York, as yet another community suffers the tragedy of gun violence. As an American, I mourn alongside Buffalo.”
Democrat Jason Crow of Colorado said, “As a politician, I will never cease my efforts to end these shootings and the spread of hatred.”
