Amy Schumer backed proposals for greater gun control after two women were fatally shot and nine people were injured at a screening of her latest movie.
Schumer joined her second cousin, senator Chuck Schumer, and backed new legislation that would seek to prevent dangerous people from accessing weapons.
They proposed a new three-part plan aimed at making it harder for violent criminals and mentally ill people to obtain firearms after a man opened fire at the film screening in Lafayette, Louisiana, last month.
The shooter, who was described as having a history of mental illness, killed two women, Jillian Johnson and Marci Breaux, and injured nine others.
“When I heard about the news, I was completely devastated … then I was angry,” the actor said during a press conference.
“My heart goes out to Jillian and Mayci, to the survivors, to the families and everyone who is tied to the tragic, senseless and horrifying actions of this man who shouldn’t have been able to put his hands on a gun in the first place.”
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Schumer said she felt compelled to act, and backed proposals that would introduce a new background check system to make it harder for people with mental health or a history of violence to obtain guns.
US states who failed to submit relevant records into this system would be punished, while those who complied would be rewarded. Senator Schumer also will ask Congress to retain funding for mental health and drug abuse programs.
“I’m not sure why this man chose my movie to end these two beautiful lives and injure nine others, but it was very personal for me,” she said.
In pictures: Lafayette shooting
Schumer said that she understood the controversy around gun control in the US, and said that despite what detractors may say she was determined to help make a difference.
“Critics scoff and say ‘There’s no way to stop crazy people doing crazy things’, but they’re wrong,” she added. “Preventing dangerous people from getting guns is very possible.”
