Statement Of Brady Campaign President Paul Helmke On Northern Illinois University Shootings

Feb 15, 2008

Washington, D.C. – In the aftermath of yesterday’s tragic shootings at Northern Illinois University, Brady Campaign President Paul Helmke issued the following statement:

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families touched by yesterday’s gun violence at Northern Illinois University.  At a time when the country confronts one mass shooting after another – six separate multiple murders across the country in just the last two weeks – the nation is faced with a critical choice: 

“Do we give up and say we can’t do anything about these tragedies?  Or do we take common-sense steps today to make it harder for dangerous people to get dangerous weapons? 

“Every day in America, 32 people are murdered with guns.  That’s a daily Virginia Tech.  This tragic figure is not due to mysterious forces beyond our control.  People cause this problem and people can fix it.

"Over the years, the Brady Campaign has proposed numerous common-sense measures to reduce and prevent gun violence.  It may be difficult to stop 'suicide shooters' like the Northern Illinois University killer, but there are steps we can take as a nation.

"Yesterday was the anniversary of Chicago's 'St. Valentine’s Day Massacre' on February 14, 1929, and today is the anniversary of the attempted assassination of President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt, and the killing of Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak on February 15, 1933.  These events led to one of the few gun control laws still on the books, the National Firearms Act of 1934.  Our recent gun violence should also lead us to take action.

 “Today, as we grieve with the victims and families of this latest mass shooting, I call on college and university presidents across America to join with us in demanding that the presidential candidates – as well as the U.S. Congress and President George W. Bush – support meaningful action to prevent gun violence.  Much more needs to be done to help make our schools and communities safer."

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As the nation's largest, non-partisan, grassroots organization leading the fight to prevent gun violence, the Brady Campaign, with its dedicated network of Million Mom March Chapters, works to enact and enforce sensible gun laws, regulations and public policies. The Brady Campaign is devoted to creating an America free from gun violence, where all Americans are safe at home, at school, at work, and in our communities.

For continuing insight and comment on the gun issue, read Paul Helmke's blog at www.bradycampaign.org/blog/. Visit the Brady Campaign website at www.bradycampaign.org.