Sen. Mark Kelly Calls Georgia Shooting Issue “Very Personal to Me”

Senator Mark Kelly expressed deep concern regarding gun control after a tragic shooting at a Georgia high school, which resulted in the loss of four lives and injuries to nine others. He described the issue as “very personal” to him during an appearance on “CBS Mornings.” Kelly remarked, “This issue is very personal to me and it’s very tragic and it happens way too often in our country.” He emphasized that parents and children deserve to feel safe within school environments.

Kelly’s views on gun safety are influenced by his personal history, particularly his marriage to former Representative Gabby Giffords. Giffords was shot in 2011 in a grocery store incident, resulting in severe disabilities. Following this event, the couple founded a gun control policy organization in her name, and they have since become significant advocates for gun safety measures, despite being gun owners themselves. “This issue makes our country stand out in the worst of ways,” Kelly added, underlining the seriousness of the situation.

The senator, a former astronaut and combat veteran who has represented Arizona in the Senate since 2020, highlighted initiatives aimed at enhancing gun safety. He pointed to the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, signed into law by President Biden in 2022, as a significant legislative achievement in gun control, marking the most substantial measure passed in three decades. This law expanded background checks, among other provisions. However, Kelly insisted, “We have to do more,” urging voters to scrutinize candidates’ positions on gun control before heading to the polls.

“You’ve got to hold your elected leaders accountable,” he emphasized, noting the crucial role legislators play in shaping laws. He pointed out the ongoing divide in perspectives, stating, “There are folk that are in favor of stronger laws to keep people safer and there are folks that just want guns everywhere and no restrictions on firearms. That’s not the country we should have to live in.”

Regarding the forthcoming presidential election, Kelly offered insights into Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign strategy, suggesting that to secure a win in November, her team must outwork their opponents and deliver a compelling message. He expressed confidence that Harris’s message resonates with voters, noting the stark contrast between her platform and that of former President Donald Trump.

Kelly shared, “The contrast between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump should not be, could not be more clear to the American people about what these two candidates stand for.” He believes that voters should have a clear understanding of the fundamental differences separating the two candidates as they prepare for the election.