Issue Position: Reducing Gun Violence

Issue Position

Like most Americans, Congressman Larson believes the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right to bear arms and like most Americans Larson also believes that we all have a responsibility to take all the necessary steps available to ensure guns are used safely and don't fall into the wrong hands.

Congressman Larson speaking to students at Hartford Public High School with Rep. Mike Thompson, Chairman of the Task Force on Election Reform

Congressman Larson understands there is still genuine disagreement about exactly what steps we should take to reduce incidents of gun violence in this country, but poll after poll indicates that the American people understand the necessity for expanded background checks.

As the President has said repeatedly, "While there is no law or set of laws that can prevent every senseless act of violence completely, if there is if even one thing we can do to reduce this violence -- even one life can be saved -- we have an obligation to try."

Earlier this year the President asked the Vice President to lead an effort, along with members of his Cabinet, to come up with concrete steps we can take right now to keep our kids safe, help prevent mass shootings, and reduce the broader epidemic of gun violence in this country. At the same time in the House of Representatives, Rep. Mike Thompson, a Vietnam War Veteran and an enthusiastic hunter was appointed Chairman of the Task Force on Gun Violence Prevention.

Recently Congressman Larson hosted Chairman Thompson in Hartford for various events and forums on reducing violence in our communities. Larson and Thompson along with other community and faith leaders and leading subject matter experts discussed what must be done in order to reduce gun violence. Today, Congressman Larson remains dedicated to working with his colleagues on reducing gun violence in Connecticut's First District and across the nation.

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