WEYERS CAVE, VA – Delegate R. Steven Landes, R-Weyers Cave, issued the following statement Wednesday in response to Governor Ralph Northam’s announcement that he would call a Special Session following the tragic shooting in Virginia Beach.
“We are all heartbroken in wake of the horrific shooting that occurred in Virginia Beach. My prayers are with the victims and their loved ones. I am grateful for the tremendous courage and dedication demonstrated by law enforcement and first responders in the wake of this tragedy.
“I am leery of Governor Northam’s call for a Special Session so soon following these tragic events and fear that acting hastily to address these important issues will further divide us, rather than result in sound policy that we all hope to achieve. Only through deliberate and thoughtful debate will we find solutions to strengthening the safety of our communities.
“I have always believed investing our time and resources to enforce our existing gun laws, strengthening and reforming our mental health care system, and standing against efforts to weaken criminal sentences for violent offenders are the best ways to reduce gun violence. There are too many examples of deficiencies in our mental health care system where people with serious mental health care needs carry out acts of violence.
“I am confident that as Speaker Cox stated, Republicans will put forward a package of legislation to strengthen penalties for those who use firearms to commit crimes, including mandatory minimum sentences. Strict enforcement of our current laws, combined with our ongoing efforts to strengthen the mental and behavioral health system, are the best ways to protect our communities and thwart those who would commit violence with guns. Sadly, in a free society, no laws or regulations can prevent disturbed individuals from perpetrating the heinous acts we saw in Virginia Beach. As Police Chief James Cevera noted, no gun law would have prevented this shooting.”
Landes represents the 25th House District, which includes parts of Albemarle, Augusta, and Rockingham Counties. Landes is currently serving his twelfth term in the Virginia House of Delegates. Visit SteveLandes.com for additional information.