Zeldin Calls For Congressional Hearing After Florida Shooting

After 17 people were shot and killed and numerous others injured when a former student opened fire in a horrific act of mass violence at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-Shirley, has spoken out on what he believes needs to be done.

Zeldin issued a statement calling for a Congressional hearing and action after law enforcement was unable to identify the "indicators and threat" posed by Nikolas Cruz before the Parkland High School mass shooting on Feb. 14.

“This tragedy could have and should have been prevented," Zeldin said. "The warning signs were there and clearly pointed to the fact this young man was extremely troubled."

Zeldin said he believes it is critical that Congress, law enforcement and the American public "identify how Nikolas Cruz slipped through the cracks. We must prevent another such breakdown."

Zeldin added: "I support law-abiding citizens having the ability to possess firearms to protect themselves, their families, their loved ones and property. However, we must ensure lunatics manifest in violent criminal intentions to murder with firearms have access to none.”

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform or the Committee on the Judiciary are two of the Committees that could consider initiating the hearing, Zeldin suggested.

Zeldin, who has an A rating from the NRA and received the third most money from the organization among all members of Congress during the 2016 election cycle, will get some visitors to his Patchogue office Tuesday from constituents who say he is fighting to make gun laws more lax.

"Zeldin is backed by the NRA and one of their most trusted advocates," an event posting for the rally on Facebook reads. "He needs to stop selling our safety to the highest bidder."

Zeldin has co-sponsored House legislation that would allow holders of concealed-firearm permits the right to carry their guns anywhere in the country. That bill was passed by the House in December and now awaits action from the Senate.

Patch file photo.