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Courtesy Arturo Olivarez,

Washington, DC –U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) released the following statement in the aftermath of yesterday’s shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets:

“Our communities are hurting from the increase of violent crimes and gun violence that is plaguing our nation. Yesterday, we were once again witnesses of these horrific acts at the Allen Premium Outlets shooting,” said Congressman Cuellar, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee.

“There are many factors that can contribute to mass shootings, some of the most commonly cited are mental illness, social isolation, copycat behavior, extreme ideologies, trauma, as well as societal and cultural factors. Addressing the risk of mass shootings requires a multifaceted approach that addresses these underlying factors.

For that we must continue to invest in our communities. That is why I voted in favor of legislation raising the lawful age to purchase a semiautomatic rifle from 18 to 21, why I was the lead sponsor of the Fix National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Act, why I voted for both the Bipartisan Background Check Act and Enhanced Background Checks Act, why I supported legislation that provides funding to law enforcement for behavioral health crisis response training, andwhy I have continuously supported funding for the STOP School Violence Act grant program.

That is also why, last year, I helped pass gun legislation—the first of its kind in 30 years— in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Actin a critical step in protecting our communities.”

Congressman Cuellar continued: “We have taken major steps forward, but we must continue to address underlying factors. I am a supporter of the 2nd amendment and I support responsible gun ownership. At the end of the day, however, my objective is to keep all my constituents and their families safe, and I have taken steps to do so. That is my number one priority.”