Above: Gottheimer at Teaneck’s Vigil Against Hate.

TEANECK, NJ — U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) stood in solidarity with local leaders and the North Jersey community at an Interfaith Vigil Against Hate in Teaneck. The vigil comes following this month’s tragic mass shootings throughout the nation targeting schools, grocery stores, and houses of worship. Gottheimer ​​called for action to protect children and families, and called on the Senate to move forward with House-passed bipartisan legislation to protect communities from gun violence.

“From the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, to the racist attack in Buffalo, New York and in Laguna Woods, California, these are vicious and vile acts that go against everything our country should stand for. I’m heartbroken for the victims and their families. More than that, I’m beyond angry,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer. “No parent should have to worry about the safety of their kids in school. No American should worry about being shot at the grocery store because of the color of their skin. We must work together to bring an end to gun violence in our communities, and we must remain committed to fighting back against hate.”

Gottheimer was joined by Teaneck Mayor James Dunleavy, Teaneck Councilwoman Karen Orgen, North Jersey families, religious leaders, and event organizer Cheryl Hall.

The House has previously passed Gottheimer-backed bipartisan legislation to protect communities from gun violence, including H.R.8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, and H.R.1446, the Enhanced Background Checks Act — to, respectively, close the so-called Gun Show Loophole by requiring background checks in a broader range of circumstances and close the Charleston Loophole that allows a firearm sale to proceed even if the FBI has not yet completed a background check.

Gottheimer is also leading bipartisan legislation — H.R.3661, Alyssa’s Legacy Youth in School Safety Alert Act (the ALYSSA Act) — named after Alyssa Alhadeff, a North Jersey native who lost her life in the tragic 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. The bipartisan legislation will require silent panic alarms in all schools to immediately alert law enforcement of an active shooter situation. The bill will also increase investment in more well-trained School Resource Officers, to help protect students and faculty. 

Below: Gottheimer speaking at Teaneck’s Vigil Against Hate.

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