In response to the tragic mass shooting incident in Lewiston, Maine, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) offered her heartfelt condolences to the victims and their loved ones. She emphasized the alarming statistics surrounding gun violence in the United States, including the staggering number of over 565 mass shootings in 2023 alone. Additionally, Sherrill highlighted the devastating fact that nearly 20% of American adults have experienced the loss of a family member due to gun violence. Her remarks underscore the pressing need for concrete action to address this critical issue and prevent further senseless tragedies.
As a former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor, Sherrill has first-hand experience of the importance of gun safety laws. She emphasizes the efficacy of New Jersey’s gun safety laws, which encompass various measures such as background checks, waiting periods, red flags, permits, and magazine capacity limits. These laws have proved to be effective in ensuring the safety of citizens and reducing the incidence of gun violence in the state.
According to Sherrill, implementing these measures nationwide can significantly improve safety in communities and schools. She believes that this practical approach is in line with what the American people expect.
In a recent statement, Sherrill called upon the newly appointed Speaker, Mike Johnson, to make gun violence prevention legislation a top priority in the House. She emphasized that taking this crucial step could prove instrumental in safeguarding families and communities from the scourge of gun violence incidents.
Having worked as a federal prosecutor in New Jersey and being a part of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, Sherrill has extensive experience handling illegal firearms and is determined to tackle the serious problem of gun violence in the United States.