4,500 people were shot and killed while Congress went on vacation: report

Source: Raw Story, by Sarah K. Burris

The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence released a report Tuesday with a detailed count of 4,500 people, who were shot and killed since members of Congress left for their summer vacation in mid-July.

House Democrats staged a sit-in on the floor of Congress, demanding that the Republican-lead legislature take action on gun violence. Republicans responded by cutting off the cameras, forcing members to air the speeches from their cell phones using Facebook Live and Periscope. Protesters flocked to the Capitol building and staged a vigil on the steps, joining in chants like, “No bill, no break.”

“Congress is in for a rude awakening today if they thought seven weeks of vacation would wipe the slate clean,” Brady President Dan Gross said according to The Hill. “While Congress enjoyed nearly two months of sun and fun, the American people paid the ultimate price for Congress’ inaction, with 4,500 shot and killed during August recess alone. Now that they’re finally back at work, gun violence must be a priority for Congress.”

The group announced that it will post the names of constituents in their corresponding legislator’s office if that member takes money from the gun lobby.

“These lives were abruptly and violently cut short by guns while politicians did nothing,” Gross continued.