Hartzler meets with President Trump, video game industry representatives to discuss gun violence

(From Fourth District Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler)

In a White House meeting with the President, Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) joined representatives from the video game industry as well as grass roots organizations opposed to video game violence to discuss ways to address gun violence in schools. As a former teacher, Hartzler, who has called for an across the board review of possible causes related to school violence, was one of three members of Congress invited by the President to take part in these important discussions.

“As a mother, former teacher, and member of Congress, I am clearly concerned with violence in our schools. Parents need to know that their children are safe in school, and more importantly, students must feel safe in their learning environment. I appreciate the President’s efforts in bringing together groups of all kinds with the goal of finding solutions to the horrific acts of violence in our schools and society,” said Congresswoman Hartzler, who taught junior and senior high school in Missouri for over ten years. “I believe the solution to curtailing violence lies in an all-encompassing approach, focused on several different factors that may contribute to school shootings,” added Hartzler.

“Discussions should not be limited to just video games and guns. The President’s approach of leaving no stone unturned is prudent and similar meetings with the movie industry pertaining to gun violence on film should also be conducted,” added Hartzler, who also emphasized a need to empower law enforcement in protecting our schools. The House recently passed a Hartzler provision that would allow off duty and retired police officers to carry a firearm to protect children at school. HR 2513, the Police Officers Protecting Children Act, was endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, Laclede County Sheriff David Millsap, and Pulaski County Sheriff Jimmy Bench. It was included in HR 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which passed in December of 2017.

“Today’s meeting was an opportunity to learn and hear from different sides about concerns and possible solutions to violence in schools. I believe significant progress was made today, and my hope is that we can build on this progress in the future.”