Dear Lucas,
When a gunman shot 70 people -- killing 12 of them -- in a movie theater in Colorado earlier this month, it was a national tragedy that will change the lives of those victims and their families and friends forever.
Countless Americans have been responding to this tragedy, saying to themselves, "That could have been me in that situation," and asking, "How did this happen?" "How can we stop it from happening again?"
Some colleagues and I who are dedicated to public safety and saving lives in our nation have at least one answer. I've joined with leaders like Senator Frank Lautenberg and Congresswoman Diana DeGette to introduce the Stop Online Ammunition Sales Act.
The gunman in Colorado stockpiled over 6,000 rounds of ammunition through anonymous online purchases before he went on his deadly shooting spree. All without showing his face anywhere or any authorities being able to know about his purchases.
It's harder to buy allergy medicine in our nation than it is to buy ammunition that can help a deranged person kill a dozen people in 90 seconds.
And that's just wrong. That's why our bill effectively ends the practice of anonymous online shopping for ammunition by requiring the in-person presentation of a photo ID for every sale, requiring dealers to be licensed, and by requiring dealers to record every sale and report sales of over 1,000 bullets per five consecutive business days.
We know the American people are looking for answers. Help them find one by passing along this link. Spread the word about this critical legislation, endorsed by all the major national anti-violence and gun-safety advocacy organizations.
Add your voice to the chorus of people demanding action after the latest tragic mass shooting and be a part of the change we need to save lives in our nation.
I'm proud to have you stand with me as we fight. Thank you for all you do.
Sincerely,
Carolyn