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Mark Kelly: Thoughts, Prayers Won't Stop Gun Violence

By Mariana Dale
Published: Monday, October 2, 2017 - 2:23pm
(Screen capture from Americans for Responsible Solutions)
“Days like today remind us and many others how quickly things can change,” Kelly said on Capitol Hill Monday.

The death of more than 50 people in a Las Vegas shooting has catalyzed conversation about gun control, and among the voices are Arizonans Mark Kelly and Gabrielle Giffords.

Then-Congresswoman Giffords survived a 2011 shooting near Tucson that killed six people. The gunman targeted a “Congress on Your Corner” event Giffords held at a local grocery store.

"We send our thoughts and prayers too, but they are not enough,” said Mark Kelly. “Your thoughts and prayers aren't going to stop the next shooting. Only action and leadership will do that.”

The couple founded Americans for Responsible Solutions, a political action committee to push for background checks and other measures to limit gun violence.

"Americans need more than our president's prayers. We need his plans,” Kelly said.

As Kelly spoke, Giffords stood at his side nodding in agreement. Limited mobility and speech show the lasting effect of her injuries.

"Our nation's counting on you," she said.

Her short statement was a call to action for America’s political leaders to pass laws that could reduce gun-related deaths.