The prevalence of gun violence in the U.S., especially at its schools, has turned even some moderate legislators into staunch supporters of stricter gun control laws.
Democrat Darren Soto, a representative from Florida’s 9th district, was one of them.
“As a lawyer who got into the state legislature, I was always a strong advocate of our Constitutional rights,” the congressman told Cheddar on Thursday, the day after a gunman killed 17 students and teachers at a Parkland, Fla., high school.
“But when Sandy Hook happened, I really got the full sense of the horror and the tragedy of these mass shootings. That was when I was in the Florida House. And from then, I really took a turn to fight for many different gun reforms.”
Soto’s comments come as Nikolas Cruz was charged with 17 counts of murder for the Parkland shooting. The nineteen-year-old was reportedly part of a white supremacist group and had previously posted videos and social media messages showing him with a variety of guns and claiming he wanted to be a “professional school shooter.”
President Trump addressed the shooting Thursday morning, calling for steps to address mental illness, but did not mention anything about gun control.
That may not have come as a surprise to Soto, who spoke with Cheddar before the President made his statement. He said Republicans have blocked hearings on a number of measures sponsored by Democrats, from closing the gun show loophole to preventing those on the no-fly list from buying weapons to a ban on so-called bump stocks.
And one of those bills might have prevented Wednesday's events.
"How did this young man get guns as a troubled youth?" he asked. "I suspect it could have been this gun show loophole. It could have been a personal exchange. Therefore there is no background check and no ability to police folks who normally wouldn't get firearms getting them through this glaring loophole."
For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/rep-darren-soto-d-fl-calls-for-action-after-another-unspeakable-tragedy).
James Ruth, senior director for Major League Soccer, and Mike LaBelle, the New York Red Bulls' first official Esports athlete, discuss the new EMLS Cup. The EMLS Cup is in partnership with FIFA 18 and kicks off April 5th.
The pro FIFA player, signed by New York Red Bulls, walked Cheddar through his training process. He says that gamers should avoid fast food the evening before!
The Hive's hosts Jon Kelly and Kristen Scholer discuss the latest news in politics, business, and technology. From Hope Hicks' sudden departure from The White House to the Kardashian's impact on social media, we have you covered.
Vanity Fair's Hive: We’re joined by the crew at Vanity Fair's Hive to discuss Hope Hicks' resignation. On Between Bells: TV reboot fever, and E!'s Seacrest problem. With Diply, The Hollywood Reporter, Zimbio, and more.
Tide made waves with its flurry of Super Bowl commercials.
One of those featured the beloved Old Spice Guy, Isaiah Mustafa, who stars in the Freeform series, 'Shadowhunters.' He stops by to tell us about the upcoming season of the show, and what "the man your man could smell like" actually smells like.
Adriaen Black is a made- to- measure luxury apparel company known for clothing some of the biggest names in sports.
Now, Founder Andrew Jang is launching a project to design custom interview attire for teens in New York City's YMCA College and Career Access Programs. Jang stops by with a few of his clients: Oakland Raiders Quarterback EJ Manuel, Jermon Bushrod of the Miami Dolphins, Eric Berry of the Kansas City Chiefs.
The directors of the new Netflix documentary series "Flint Town," Drea Cooper, Zackary Canepari, and Jessica Dimmock, discuss the new show. "Flint Town" follows the lives of several police officers in the troubled city of Flint, Michigan.
Spotify files to go public. Dick's will immediately stop selling assault rifles. President Trump meets with lawmakers on gun control. White House communications director Hope Hicks is resigning from her post. Facebook launching a new initiative to take on sites like LinkedIn and Glassdoor.
Olympians Jessie Diggins and Kikkan Randall made history at this year's winter games. The duo accomplished what no American woman had done before, capturing a medal in cross-country skiing. The pair share their experience in achieving gold in the team sprint free final.
Between Bells: Ryan Seacrest Red Carpet controversy, NCAA scandal, and why is it so hot at the North Pole? With Salon, LiveScience, Pizza Hut, and Madame Noire.
