U.S. House candidate Kathleen Williams had been prepared to deliver her regular stump speech in Billings Friday night, but the Democrat discarded it to speak out on the latest school shooting.
Earlier that day, a student opened fire on some of his classmates in Santa Fe, Texas, killing 8 students and 2 teachers. The suspect surrendered to police and was taken into custody.
Williams told about 300 people gathered at the Yellowstone County Democrat’s Truman Day Dinner, “enough is enough” and it's time to talk about gun safety reforms.
“We don't just need thoughts and prayers,” she said. “We need to talk about regulating military-style rifles. They are more lethal.”
Williams, who's a hunter, added it's time to talk about background check loopholes and expanded protections for victims of domestic violence.
“And if the gun lobby wants to give me an 'F' for talking about common sense I will proudly say that stands for fearless,” Williams said.
All 5 of the Democrats seeking the party's primary nomination attended the party’s fundraising event. They were all given a few minutes to rally voters. Absentee voting for the June 5th primary is underway. The winner of the primary will challenge incumbent Republican Greg Gianforte.
