NASHVILLE — The League of Women Voters of Nashville issued the following joint statement with the League of Women Voters of Tennessee and the League of Women Voters of the United States in response to the mass shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville.

“Our hearts are broken that once again innocent lives were taken far too soon by yet another school shooting. Three students and three staff members were senselessly murdered while at an institution of learning — a place where they should be safe.

"Monday’s tragedy unfolded as our state legislature is poised to weaken gun safety laws. Our elected leaders must do more to protect our communities from the dangers of gun violence and to keep our students safe. We call on Congress to pass the assault weapons ban.

“Yesterday's tragic school shooting is yet another heartbreak that should never have happened. We must do more to prevent the senseless gun violence that has rocked our community. Our hearts are with the victims, survivors, and their families.”