Honors the victims of the April 2023 Louisville, Kentucky shootings, expresses support for those affected, and reaffirms commitment to preventing gun violence.
Morgan McGarvey
Representative
KY-3
This resolution commemorates the victims of the April 2023 shootings in Louisville, Kentucky, expresses support for the affected community, and honors the first responders. It acknowledges the devastating impact of gun violence, highlights the need for healing, and reaffirms the commitment to preventing future tragedies. The resolution also recognizes Kentucky's weak gun safety laws and the ongoing issue of mass shootings.
This resolution formally marks the second anniversary of the tragic shootings that occurred in Louisville, Kentucky, in April 2023. It specifically acknowledges the events at the Old National Bank building on April 10, near Jefferson Community and Technical College the same day, and in Chickasaw Park on April 15. The core purpose is to honor the memory of the eight individuals who lost their lives, express support for everyone impacted, and restate the House of Representatives' commitment to addressing gun violence.
The resolution doesn't just offer general condolences; it names the victims from the Old National Bank shooting: Tommy Elliott, Jim Tutt, Josh Barrick, Juliana Farmer, and Deana Eckert. It also recognizes Cheavon Moore, killed near the community college, and Deaji Goodman and David Huff, killed in Chickasaw Park. The text highlights the specific circumstances of the bank shooting, noting the use of an AR15-style rifle and the event being live-streamed. It also commends the swift actions of the Louisville Metro Police Department, Louisville Fire and EMS, medical staff, and community members who responded.
Beyond remembrance, the resolution officially condemns the violence and reaffirms the federal government's commitment to fighting gun violence to prevent future tragedies. It serves as a formal statement expressing sympathy, recognizing the community's pain, and honoring the bravery shown during the attacks. While it doesn't enact new laws, the resolution does observe context mentioned within its text, such as the frequency of mass shootings nationally and specific aspects of Kentucky's existing gun laws, framing these observations as part of the ongoing challenge the commitment aims to address.