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Montana politics, elections and legislative news

Williams Continues To Call For Gun Safety Reforms In Wake Of Another School Shooting

Jackie Yamanaka
Credit Jackie Yamanaka

U.S. House candidate Kathleen Williams had been prepared to deliver her regular stump speech in Billings Friday night, but the Democrat discarded it to speak out on the latest school shooting. 

Earlier that day, a student opened fire on some of his classmates in Santa Fe, Texas, killing 8 students and 2 teachers. The suspect surrendered to police and was taken into custody.

Williams told about 300 people gathered at the Yellowstone County Democrat’s Truman Day Dinner, “enough is enough” and it's time to talk about gun safety reforms. 

“We don't just need thoughts and prayers,” she said. “We need to talk about regulating military-style rifles. They are more lethal.”

Williams, who's a hunter, added it's time to talk about background check loopholes and expanded protections for victims of domestic violence.  

“And if the gun lobby wants to give me an 'F' for talking about common sense I will proudly say that stands for fearless,” Williams said.

All 5 of the Democrats seeking the party's primary nomination attended the party’s fundraising event. They were all given a few minutes to rally voters. Absentee voting for the June 5th primary is underway.  The winner of the primary will challenge incumbent Republican Greg Gianforte.

Copyright 2018 Yellowstone Public Radio

Jackie Yamanaka
Jackie Yamanaka has been news director at YPR since 1986. From her home base in Billings, Jackie covers a wide range of issues across Montana and Wyoming. During the Montana Legislative session, she re-locates to the state Capitol in Helena where she has another office.
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