“It goes back to what I’ve talked about for a long time: there are too many guns in the hands of people who should not have guns,” the Governor told local radio station WTOP shortly after Vester Flanagan allegedly shot down Alison and Adam, as well as a third victim, Vicki Gardner, who is reportedly in stable condition. When asked about the shooting, the Governor expressed his frustration and sadness over how gun violence continues to affect Americans everywhere.
This is why I’ve long advocated for background checks,” he continued, reports Mediaite. “I’m a gun owner, I’m a hunter, but you know what? I went through background checks myself in order to get it.” This appears to be the only interview the Governor has done since news of the shooting, and the alleged suspect’s identity was revealed.
He concluded his interview by saying, “We’ve got to come together, there is too much gun violence in the United States of America.” If anything comes from this terrifying ordeal, hopefully Governor McAuliffe’s fight for stronger gun control laws finally takes off.
Governor McAuliffe also tweeted this heartbreaking message a few hours before alleged shooter Vester Flanagan allegedly shot himself:
Heartbroken over senseless murders today in Smith Mountain Lake. State Police on scene working w/ local law agencies to capture suspect.
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) August 26, 2015
Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Alison, Adam, and Vicki.
— Lauren Cox
Follow @Iaurencox
