Received this e-mail today from Rep. Chris Van Hollen’s (D. MD) U.S. Senate campaign:
Friend, Once again our country was jolted by a new act of hate-filled terror this weekend — directed this time at the LGBT community. Once again we are seeing tragic, heart-breaking images coming from an American city. This act of apparent homegrown terror could have many roots. Only a full investigation will tell the complete story. But one thing is for sure — the terrorist who attacked innocents in Orlando would not have been able to gun down so many so quickly without his assault weapon. We cannot afford to overlook this fact. Please add your name and urge Republicans in Congress to allow a vote on an assault weapons ban on the floor of the House and the Senate. Easy access to military style weapons has made us the mass shooting capital of the world. It should be crystal clear that we can no longer afford to turn a blind eye to the mayhem caused in community after community by these specialized instruments of death in the hands of killers. We are all in this together and we must find a way to take action that protects lives. As we mourn for all those lost and their families, and for those who will bear the scars of this heinous act for the rest of their lives, let us also work together to get something done. That is my commitment. Will you make it yours? Please add your name and demand that we ban assault weapons once and for all.
We cannot afford to be silent, Chris