Hastings Cites Miami Police Killings Today as Need for Gun Control

Two Miami-Dade police officers were killed Thursday morning while trying to serve an arrest warrant for homicide. One of the suspects accused of shooting the officers was killed by return fire. The other was taken into custody.

Later in the afternoon, Congressman Alcee Hastings, D-Miramar, briefly expressed condolences to "all those affected by the tragic and senseless deaths of two Miami-Dade officers this morning."

In the remaining paragraphs of his statement he outlined his arguments for increased gun control.

"I have been deeply concerned about Floridas relaxed gun-control laws and now, more than ever, it is clear that stronger gun-control measures are needed," said Hastings.

The congressman is co-sponsoringtwo House resolutions: HR 263, the Fire Sale Loophole Closing Act, and HR 308, which would restrict the sale of large-capacity clips like the one used in the Arizona shooting.

The lessons learned from this shooting, and that of the tragedy in Tucson, are staring us in the face and we need to take action to address the ludicrous availability of guns in this country, Hastings said.