CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE TAKES ACTION TO FURTHER PROTECT AMERICANS FROM GUN VIOLENCE

(Washington, D.C.) — Today, Congressman Joe Morelle voted to pass legislation to help keep families safe from gun violence. The Active Shooter Alert Act would establish a national alert system allowing for local law enforcement to better inform community members about active shooter incidents in their area so they can quickly seek safety.

“It is tragic to think we even need an Active Shooter Alert System to protect our local communities, but sadly, the fear of a mass shooting has become a persistent dark cloud shrouding our nation,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “Enacting this legislation is the very least we can do to help reduce the number of innocent lives lost during mass shootings. I have made my position clear—meaningful, common-sense gun reform is an absolute necessity, and I’ll keep fighting for stronger and more comprehensive solutions that keep families safe.”

The Active Shooter Alert Act would use existing communications technology in the AMBER Alert system to create the Active Shooter Alert Communications Network to inform local communities when a dangerous active shooter is in their area. The bill also requires Attorney General Merrick Garland appoint a Coordinator within the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for this network. Future improvements to the system would come from an advisory panel of law enforcement, public safety, and mental health experts, among others.

In addition to this legislation, Congressman Morelle supports and has voted to pass measures to: ban assault weapons, limit high-capacity magazines enact universal background checks on gun sales, crack down on gun-trafficking, hold gun shops accountable for stolen weapons, strengthen red flag laws, provide more resources for law enforcement, and more.

For more information on the Active Shooter Alert Act, read the full text of the bill here.