Statement For the Record of the Hearing on “Constitutional and Common Sense Steps to Reduce Gun Violence”

Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC, Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Asian Law Caucus, Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Chicago, and Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Los Angeles, together submit this statement for the record to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee for its hearing entitled “Constitutional and Common Sense Steps to Reduce Gun Violence” on March 23, 2021. 

As members of the Asian Americans Advancing Justice national affiliation, we work together to promote a fair and equitable society for all by working for civil and human rights and empowering Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other underserved communities.  

As organizations dedicated to advancing the civil rights of Asian Americans, we speak with one voice to condemn the senseless and hateful acts of violence against Asian Americans we have seen rise over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the horrific mass shooting in the Atlanta area exactly one week ago today when eight people were murdered, six of them Asian American women.  We equally condemn cynical attempts to use our community’s tragedy to justify opposing common sense gun laws that our communities overwhelmingly support.