On Wednesday, December 7, I had the privilege and honor of attending the 11th National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence, held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The vigil provided space for the survivors, families, friends, and all Americans to pray, mourn, lament, and organize for continued action to prevent the senseless gun violence we see all too often in this country.
The faith community at St. Mark’s is well-known for their activism, care, and concern for gun violence victims, which made their sanctuary a fit setting for this vigil. All those present were honored to hear remarks from the president of the United States, the Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr., who attended the vigil to share in the prayers and sorrows of those who mourn their lost loved ones.
The president was introduced at the vigil by Jackie Hagerty, a teen who survived the horrific mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School nearly ten years ago. The president spoke movingly about shared experiences of loss, and pledged his support for continued efforts to restrict access to guns in the United States. Outgoing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also attended the vigil and spoke as well, lauding survivors’ activism and advocacy and thanking them for their indispensable role in supporting the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that passed earlier this year.
The Office of Government Relations mourns with those who’ve lost loved ones to gun violence. We will continue to support common sense gun violence reform and policies that reduce violence and protect all Americans, in line with our baptismal covenant. We stand with the victims and survivors whose passionate advocacy enhances our efforts. May God continue to hold them in his loving arms.
Sincerely,
Rushad Thomas – Domestic Policy Advisor
Read President Biden’s remarks