Acevedo calls on U.S. lawmakers to enact universal background checks for gun buyers
AUSTIN — Characterizing gun violence as “one of the greatest public health epidemics facing the nation,” Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo pressed Congress on Wednesday to pass a red flag law and tighten background check requirements this year, adding that saving one life is enough to justify new restrictions.
Acevedo’s appearance before the U.S. House’s Judiciary Committee was just a week after five Houston police officers were shot and injured during a drug raid.
Acevedo testified along with a student from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School nearly a year after a shooter killed 17 students and staff members there.
Amid what he referred to as “almost regular mass shootings” in the United States, Acevedo asked lawmakers to use common sense to balance Second Amendment protections while addressing gun violence.
He then implored lawmakers to “act now” to require universal background checks, expand mental health services and pass “red flag” provisions to temporarily take guns from people deemed by a judge to present a danger to themselves or others.
“Doing nothing is not acceptable,” said Acevedo, president of the Major Cities Chiefs Association. “Our sons, our daughters,
“Our sons, our daughters, our children, our family members, our police officers are being shot, killed and maimed, and I would urge Congress to do something this term.” Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo
our children, our family members, our police officers are being shot, killed and maimed and I would urge Congress to do something this term. It’s our time to make a difference because our streets, our neighborhoods are truly drowning in the blood of our victims and the tears of their loved ones.”
After shootings in Florida and Texas, Congress boosted school safety funds and improved compliance with the federal gun purchase background check system, but did not pursue major legislation sought by gun-control advocates.
In 2017, under Republican controI, the House approved a bill making it easier for gun owners to legally carry concealed weapons across state lines. The measure, a top priority of the National Rifle Association, failed in the Senate.
Democrats have promised swift action to tighten gun laws after the party regained the House majority following eight years of Republican rule
Also testifying were a gun owner who says she was raped as a college student because she wasn’t allowed to bring her gun on campus, a medical professional and experts on domestic and gun violence and the law.