“With the passage of the NY Safe Act, I feel it is very important to point out that there were many factors that contributed to the tragic events of Newtown, Connecticut, Aurora, Colorado and Portland, Oregon. We as a country and as a state should heed these tragedies as warning signs of the violence we have allowed to consume our culture. Our children are being bombarded on a daily basis with violent images to a point they are numb to the realistic effects of violent acts. In addition to taking responsible action, we as a society must also start to acknowledge and reduce the unacceptable level of violence and violent images that pervades our present day culture.

“I am the father of three children, and their safety is at the forefront of my thoughts on this issue. We took a leap in regard to gun control today; but that leap will make tomorrow safer for our children and our communities.”