ICYMI: AMNY: ASSEMBLYMAN JON RIVERA REFLECTS ON EL PASO SHOOTING, WARNS OF REPUBLICAN PRO-GUN AGENDA
For Immediate Release: August 3, 2022
ICYMI: AMNY: ASSEMBLYMAN JON RIVERA REFLECTS ON EL PASO SHOOTING, WARNS OF REPUBLICAN PRO-GUN AGENDA
Highlights Democratic Leadership’s Swift Action to Protect New Yorkers
NEW YORK, NY - Today, on the third anniversary of the El Paso shooting in Texas, Buffalo native and Assemblyman Jon Rivera discussed the parallels between both tragedies that were committed by xenophobic white supremacists and highlighted the stark contrast between Democratic and Republican priorities on gun violence.
“The parallels between the mass shootings in El Paso and Buffalo are stark: people of color expect to run their errands freely and safely, only to be met with hatred and gunfire,” said Assemblymember Jon Rivera in AM New York. Assemblyman Rivera continues, “If elected in November, Zeldin would erase the progress we’ve made to protect New Yorkers from the scourge of gun violence.”
Zeldin’s record includes touting his “A” rating from the NRA, supporting concealed carry in subways and public spaces, opposing the expansion of criminal background checks, closing dangerous loopholes, supporting the repeal of “red flag” laws, and recently voting “no” on banning assault weapons in Congress.
Read the key excerpts from the AMNY story below:
AMNY: Op-Ed | Three years later, echoes of El Paso in Buffalo
By Assemblymember Jonathan D. Rivera 8/2/22
The parallels between the mass shootings in El Paso and Buffalo are stark: people of color expect to run their errands freely and safely, only to be met with hatred and gunfire. The shooters in both massacres were terrorists who drove several hours to target communities of color. Before committing their atrocities, they wrote white supremacist manifestos filled with racist, xenophobic, and anti-immigrant themes. [...]
Our state’s Assembly Majority, under the leadership of Gov. Kathy Hochul, passed a landmark legislative package to immediately strengthen New York gun laws, close critical loopholes exposed by shooters in Buffalo and Uvalde, and protect New Yorkers from the scourge of gun violence that continues to infect our nation and endanger our communities. [...]
Contrast these stances with those of Lee Zeldin, the Republican nominee for governor. If elected in November, Zeldin would erase the progress we’ve made to protect New Yorkers from the scourge of gun violence. [...]
Lee Zeldin’s long record of positions on guns ranges from opposing “Red Flag” laws to leading the fight to expand concealed carry laws. His recent “no” vote against a federal assault weapons ban speaks for itself.
As we remember the countless tragedies that have gripped our country — including those in El Paso and Buffalo — we move forward with a promise to fight against extremism and reject those who put party over public safety. This November, we must continue the fight by electing individuals courageous enough to stand up and say “enough” to gun violence.
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