The Archdiocese of Las Vegas Celebrates Pope Leo XIV
Learn MoreSearch
STATEMENT ON THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF LAS VEGAS SHOOTING
-
LAS VEGAS (October 1, 2022) – Bishop George Leo Thomas, Ph.D., Bishop of Las Vegas issued the following statement remembering those impacted by the Las Vegas shooting five years ago today:
“Today, I am holding close in prayer the 60 lives that tragically ended and all impacted by the October 1 mass shooting five years ago. On this sad anniversary, our hearts are heavy as our community continues to mourn for the victims and survivors of our Nation’s most deadly mass shooting.
Since the October 1 shooting, our country has experienced numerous mass shootings and instances of gun violence in our communities. As Catholics, it is not enough to offer our thoughts and prayers after these senseless acts of violence that happen on a regular basis. I echo my brother bishops in their June 3rd statement saying:
There must be dialogue followed by concrete action to bring about a broader social renewal that addresses all aspects of the crisis, including mental health, the state of families, the valuation of life, the influence of entertainment and gaming industries, bullying, and the availability of firearms.[1]
As a nation and as a Church we need to encourage common sense gun control laws such as universal background checks and limit sales of high-capacity magazines. This is not a political issue, rather a humanitarian issue that affects innocent lives.
As we approach the feast of St. Francis of Assisi on October 4, I ask all to pray the famous words attributed to him, “Lord Make me an Instrument of your Peace.” May we work together to end gun violence and build a society where peace, justice, and charity may be shared by all.”
###