Debbie Wasserman Schultz: Jeb Bush and Republicans Are ‘Excusing’ Murders as Price of Second Amendment

Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz accused former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, and other Republicans of wanting America to “accept” gun violence and “excusing” murders as a price to maintain constitutional liberties, and even being “complicit” in future shootings by not passing new gun laws.

The Florida congresswoman's words came after Bush, a GOP presidential candidate, said earlier Tuesday that the federal government should stay out of gun laws, which Wasserman Schultz blasted in a strongly worded statement.

“In claiming that there is no role for the federal government in regulating gun safety, Jeb Bush is insisting that Americans simply must accept future violence and leave a response to the possibility of a state-by-state solution. I am speechless,” she said.

AP

“Republicans like Jeb Bush should put the wishes of the American people, who demand action like universal background checks, ahead of the endorsement of special interest groups,” Wasserman Schultz continued. “They must stop excusing the murders of our neighbors as the inevitable price we pay for constitutional liberties. Geography should not determine whether one has basic protections from gun violence.”

Bush said earlier Tuesday at a town hall meeting at a Miami school, “The federal government shouldn’t be involved in gun laws. The country is very different.”

He added, “If you go to a rural area where guns are part of the culture, to impose laws from Washington that are going to work for New York City or work in a rural area, makes no sense.”

Other Republican presidential candidates also oppose gun control measures.

The renewed debate over gun control has come after two journalists were gunned down on live TV in Roanoke, Virginia, last week.

Wasserman Schultz noted comments from Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), who said that Congress is complicit in mass shootings if it remains silent.

Wasserman Schultz said, “To remain silent or to discourage action is to be complicit in the future shootings that will occur.”