Maloney Votes to Save Lives by Alerting the Public During Active Shooter Events

Press Release

Today, Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney voted to pass H.R. 6538, the Active Shooter Alert Act, to save lives by alerting the public during incidents of gun violence. The Active Shooter Alert Act will enable local law enforcement to notify communities of active shootings by adapting the existing alert system used for natural disasters and missing persons.

"While I am proud to vote for the Active Shooter Alert Act, this legislation shouldn't be necessary. It is a tragedy that gun violence is so pervasive in America that we need special alerts to warn the public of active shootings," said Rep. Maloney. "I will keep fighting every day until we pass additional commonsense gun safety reforms like getting weapons of war off our streets. While we keep working to reduce gun violence, this legislation is an important tool for law enforcement that will save lives and ensure we respond more quickly and effectively to shootings."

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Additional Background:

H.R. 6538, the Active Shooter Alert Act:

H.R. 6538 was passed with bipartisan support by a vote of 260 -- 169.
The legislation is endorsed by the Major Cities Chiefs Association, the National Association of Police Organizations, the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Police Foundation, the National Sheriffs' Association, the National District Attorneys Association, and numerous state and local law enforcement organizations.
The Active Shooter Alert Act:
Creates an Active Shooter Alert Communications Network: Adapts the existing Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, currently used to warn the public of natural or human-caused disasters, extreme weather events, and AMBER alerts for missing persons, to enable law enforcement to send active shooter alerts in their communities.
Establishes a Coordinator for Network Oversight: Creates a Coordinator for the Active Shooter Alert Communications Network who will oversee network development, implementation, and operation. The Coordinator will be aided by the recommendations of an advisory panel of law enforcement officers who have responded to active shooter threats and experts in public safety, emergency response, city planning, and mental and behavioral health.
Trains Law Enforcement on Effective Network Operation: Ensures law enforcement officers are trained on best practices for using the network effectively to quickly communicate information and save lives during incidents. Best practices will be developed by the network Coordinator in conjunction with the advisory panel, local network broadcasters, relevant federal agencies, and federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies.
Authorizes $2 Million to Fund the Network.

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