Media Contact
Joey Johnson
National President
American Medical Student Association
Email: [email protected]
STERLING, Virginia – June 15, 2017 – Early yesterday morning, House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), a congressional staffer, and officers from the congressional police force were shot in Alexandria, Virginia, during the Republican team’s practice for a congressional baseball game. Reports indicate that at least five people were injured, including Rep. Scalise, a senior congressional leader. While the situation continues to develop, media sources confirm that all those wounded are currently in stable condition. The shooter was fatally wounded by return fire from law enforcement.
This attack took place just two days after the one-year anniversary of the Pulse nightclub massacre in Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016, when an active shooter targeted members of the LGBTQ community during the club’s Latinx night. That tragedy left 49 people dead and 58 more injured, marking the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.
Hate crimes and acts of violence driven by bias or prejudice against any individual or group are particularly reprehensible. We call on health professionals, community leaders, and both governmental and private organizations to recognize, address, and mitigate the impact of these crimes on victims. Given the severity of such offenses, we support national legislation focused on documentation and public awareness. AMSA advocates for strict penalties, mandatory sentencing, and civil liability in cases involving firearms, as well as universal background checks for all new gun purchases as a critical public safety measure.
Above all, AMSA recognizes gun violence in the United States as an ongoing public health crisis. Addressing this issue requires a data-driven public health strategy alongside criminal justice initiatives. AMSA remains committed to violence prevention through education, research, and funding at the national, state, and local levels. Our thoughts are with Congressman Scalise and all those affected, and we extend our hope for their full and speedy recovery.
About the American Medical Student Association:
AMSA is the oldest and largest independent organization of physicians-in-training in the United States. Established in 1950, AMSA is a student-led, non-profit association dedicated to advocating for the interests of future physicians. To learn more about AMSA, our strategic initiatives, or how to get involved, visit us at http://amsa.org.
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