Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) voted for the Active Shooter Alert Act, H.R. 6538, to create a program, similar to the AMBER Alert system, for law enforcement to alert the public to active shooters in their communities.  The bill passed the House on a bipartisan basis, by a vote of 260 to 169.  Congresswoman Fletcher is a co-sponsor of H.R. 6538.

“As gun violence continues to affect our community and our country, it is critical that Congress do we what we can to create and provide critical tools for public safety,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “An emergency alert system would help ensure timely, direct communication from public safety officials to community members, preventing further violence and keeping our communities safe during times of crisis.”

The Active Shooter Alert Act would:

• Create a national active shooter alert system for law enforcement to utilize on a voluntary basis to improve their system of letting civilians know to stay away and stay safe from active shooters; and
• Provide for the appointment of an Active Shooter Alert Coordinator within the Department of Justice to develop best practices for local and state law enforcement to improve or implement active shooter alert systems.
• The legislation has been endorsed by the National Sheriff’s Association, Major Cities Chiefs Association, National Association of Police Organizations, Fraternal Order of Police, National Police Foundation, National District Attorneys Association, and several other local and state law enforcement agencies.