Cornyn extends prayers on mass shooting anniversary
Published 12:24 pm Sunday, November 4, 2018
From ombined reports
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, released the following statement Sunday in advance of the first anniversary of the mass shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, which occurred last Nov. 5:
“One year ago, Sutherland Springs, Texas endured what no one should ever have to. Texans have poured their love and support into the First Baptist community, but the lives tragically taken that day can never be brought back. As we remember that solemn day, please join me once again in prayer for First Baptist Church, the victims of this senseless violence, and the entire Sutherland Springs community.”
In response to the shooting in Sutherland Springs, Sen. Cornyn authored the Fix NICS Act to strengthen the criminal background check system and ensure convicted felons and domestic abusers cannot lawfully purchase a firearm. This bill was signed into law on March 23.
In that shooting, Devin Patrick Kelley, 26, of New Braunfels killed 26 and injured 20 in a shooting inside the church during services. It was the deadliest mass shooting in Texas and the deadliest U.S. shooting inside a church.
By law, Kelley had been prohibited from buying or possessing firearms and ammunition because of a domestic violence conviction in an Air Force court martial. The Air Force failed to record the conviction in the FBI National Crime Information Center.