Obama Calls for Renewing 'Common-Sense' Gun Law Push on Navy Yard Anniversary

President Obama made a guarded call for more gun-control measures on the one-year anniversary of the Navy Yard shooting.

Aaron Alexis, a contractor who had red flags that should have been caught in a security clearance check, went on a September 2013 shooting rampage at the Navy Yard, killing 12.

Advertisement

“One year ago, our dedicated military and civilian personnel at the Washington Navy Yard were targeted in an unspeakable act of violence that took the lives of 12 American patriots,” Obama said in a statement this morning.

“As we remember men and women taken from us so senselessly, we keep close their family and friends, stand with the survivors who continue to heal and pay tribute to the first responders who acted with skill and bravery,” he continued. “At the same time, we continue to improve security at our country’s bases and installations to protect our military and civilian personnel who help keep us safe.”

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel today announced in March reforms crafted in response to the shooting, including automated checks on cleared personnel that will pull information from law enforcement and “other relevant” databases.

“One year ago, 12 Americans went to work to protect and strengthen the country they loved,” Obama said. “Today, we must do the same – rejecting atrocities like these as the new normal and renewing our call for common-sense reforms that respect our traditions while reducing the gun violence that shatters too many American families every day.”

Advertisement

The Senate opened this morning with a special prayer for the victims delivered by Chaplain Barry Black.

“One year ago this city bore witness to a terrible tragedy at the Navy Yard,” tweeted D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray. “Today, we remember the 12 lost and honor their memory.”

Recommended

Trending on PJ Media Videos

Join the conversation as a VIP Member

Advertisement
Advertisement