Kamala Harris calls to ‘honor’ Sandy Hook victims with gun reforms

Harris marked the occasion in a tweet that was accompanied by pictures of the victims.

“Today marks 8 years since 20 first-graders and 6 educators were murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School,” she wrote. “To honor the lives lost in this terrible tragedy, it’s past time we implement common-sense gun safety reforms to keep our children safe.”

Today marks 8 years since 20 first-graders and 6 educators were murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

To honor the lives lost in this terrible tragedy, it’s past time we implement common-sense gun safety reforms to keep our children safe. pic.twitter.com/YmsIWM6dDG

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) December 14, 2020

Advocates for gun control measures have often cited the Dec. 14, 2012, shooting at the Newtown, Conn., school and other mass shootings. The Sandy Hook shooting left 20 first-graders and six teachers and staff dead.

On Monday, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said the victims should be honored with “positive action” and to “redouble efforts against gun violence under a new administration.”

“We mark this painful 8th anniversary of the shooting at Sandy Hook with renewed resolve—to honor the beautiful lives lost with positive action & redouble efforts against gun violence under a new administration,” he tweeted.

I’m in constant awe of the strength & fortitude of the families of the victims—& the thousands of others who suffer such loss & pain each day. I will not stop fighting for these families & their loved ones until the scourge of gun deaths ends.

— Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) December 14, 2020

Gun control is often called the third rail of American politics, eliciting strong reactions on both sides of the debate. Since Sandy Hook, more than 20 state legislatures have expanded background check requirements on some types of firearms, The Hill reported.