Bloomberg Pounces, Uses Aurora Tragedy to Push Obama and Romney on Gun Rights

Never let a crisis go to waste. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a long-time gun control advocate, used an appearance on WOR radio this morning to put President Barack Obama and presumed GOP nominee Mitt Romney on the spot as the tragic shootings in Aurora, CO continue to unfold. Bloomberg said that the candidates need to “stand up and tell us what they’re going to do.” Bloomberg continued: “Soothing words are nice. But maybe it’s time the two people who want to be president of the United States stand up and tell us what they’re going to do about it, because this is obviously a problem across the country.”

Murder rates are actually down across most of the country, with the notable exception of Chicago, which has seen a spike in murders prompting Mayor Rahm Emanuel to call upon the killers’ “values” in response.

Bloomberg also called on governors to explain their positions on the Second Amendment.

Both President Obama and Gov. Romney have reacted to the shootings. President Obama released a statement saying: “Michelle and I are shocked and saddened by the horrific and tragic shooting in Colorado. Federal and local law enforcement are still responding, and my administration will do everything that we can to support the people of Aurora in this extraordinarily difficult time. We are committed to bringing whoever was responsible to justice, ensuring the safety of our people, and caring for those who have been wounded. As we do when confronted by moments of darkness and challenge, we must now come together as one American family. All of us must have the people of Aurora in our thoughts and prayers as they confront the loss of family, friends, and neighbors, and we must stand together with them in the challenging hours and days to come.”

Gov. Romney released the following statement: “Ann and I are deeply saddened by the news of the senseless violence that took the lives of 15 people in Colorado and injured dozens more. We are praying for the families and loved ones of the victims during this time of deep shock and immense grief.  We expect that the person responsible for this terrible crime will be quickly brought to justice.”