UPDATE (Feb. 19, 2018 4:30 p.m.): Representative McCarthy issued a statement Monday on the recent shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School:
"Judy and I continue to mourn and pray for the victims and families of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. Each day we learn more about the precious lives that were so needlessly cut short and the beautiful memories and legacy that each person leaves behind. The stories of heroism from classmates and teachers remind us that in the face of terror, Americans respond with courage and selflessness. This unspeakable horror — like each mass shooting before it — leaves our country asking why this happened and what can we do to stop it. No student, teacher, or administrator should ever have to fear violence at our schools. Our collective resolve to educate free of fear or threat will require Americans young and old to share their ideas and have their voices heard, and I welcome each and every voice. Late last year the House of Representatives passed legislation that would improve national and state reporting into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Congress has also instructed the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms to review the selling and purchase of bump stocks in compliance with existing law. As the Parkland community and our nation begin to heal from this tragedy, our work to keep our communities, our children, and our schools safe is paramount."
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Local Bakersfield students are organizing a peaceful gun safety legislation rally on Presidents Day. The rally is in response to the Stoneman Douglas High School shootings. Women's March Kern County is hosting the event.
Students and community members will start marching tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. The march will begin at the towers at 4900 California ave and end at the corner of Stockdale and California.
