LITTLE ROCK— Arkansas Democrats release the following statement on the tragic shooting in Conway last night:

“The heartbreaking mass shooting that happened in Conway last night should have never occurred. This is a devastating and senseless tragedy and our hearts are with all of the families that have been affected by this horrible incident. 

Arkansas Democrats believe that kids and families should be able to feel safe at their local park and in their schools. We have to do more to ensure that guns are not in the hands of those who seek to do harm, including more background checks and additional protections that prevent individuals from having dangerous weapons in places like public parks.

This is a uniquely American problem, and given that Arkansas ranks worst in the nation for gun-safety laws, a uniquely Arkansas problem.

Despite this, on April 14th, the Arkansas House advanced a constitutional amendment that would make it easier for dangerous criminals to get access to harmful weapons. And we’ve heard nothing from Governor Sarah Sanders, Rep. French Hill, Sen. Tom Cotton, or Sen. John Boozman.

Democrats believe that law-abiding citizens should be able to own as many guns as they want. We also believe that prioritizing public safety means keeping our kids safe from all threats, including guns— the leading cause of death among children and teens in Arkansas.”