Statement from Third Way on the Anniversary of the Tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary

WASHINGTON — Third Way released the following statement from Matt Bennett, Executive Vice President for Public Affairs:

“Ten years ago today, an unthinkable tragedy was visited upon Newtown, Connecticut. Like every sane person who heard the news about the slaughter of innocents, we were sickened and desperately sad. But we also were resolved to do something about it.

“Third Way was founded by the leaders of Americans for Gun Safety. We were dedicated to passing tougher, better federal gun laws to try to stem the tide of catastrophe that was playing out in our offices and stores, our nightclubs and concerts, our houses of worship and, worst of all, our schools. Later, my then-Third Way colleague Sarah Trumble and I had the privilege of meeting with the families of Sandy Hook soon after the tragedy and talking about what steps could be taken at the federal level. We worked closely with them and the Senate sponsors to craft the Manchin-Toomey Bill, which would have closed the gaping loopholes in our background check system that have led to so many gun crimes.

“That effort failed because 46 Senators – mostly Republicans, but a few Democrats – could not summon the wisdom or courage to act. Their failure was a national disgrace. But as the motto of Sandy Hook Promise has it, our hearts are broken but our spirits are not. The fight for sensible gun safety laws continues, with the signing of an historic red flag law this year and much more to do.

“On this dark anniversary, we are more dedicated than ever to passing better laws and making America safer. We do so to honor the lives and legacy of the 20 beautiful children and 6 brave educators America lost that day and the lives of the hundreds of thousands of others that we have lost to gun violence in the days since. May their memory be a blessing and an inspiration.”