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Senate Democratic Leader Issues Call To Action After FedEx Shooting

Sen. Greg Taylor (D-Indianapolis) said he hopes the FedEx shooting is the “tipping point” to address gun violence in the state. (Lauren Chapman/IPB News)";s:

The head of Indiana’s Senate Democratic caucus called on legislative leaders to work together to help prevent gun violence after Thursday night's mass shooting at an Indianapolis FedEx facility.

Police say they seized a firearm from the FedEx shooter last year. But Senate Democratic Leader Greg Taylor (D-Indianapolis) said the 19-year-old perpetrator was later able to buy the two guns used in the shooting.

READ MORE: 'We Are Families That Are Hurting': Vigils Honor Victims Of Thursday's Mass Shooting

“No matter what we do and what we say, where we lie the blame on this situation, it is real simple: this young man did not break the law of the state of Indiana to purchase those firearms,” Taylor said.

Taylor said he hopes this is the “tipping point” to address gun violence in the state.

“If this doesn’t put us in a position where we can work together, I don’t know what it’s gonna take,” Taylor said.

The legislative session is set to finish this week.

Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.

Brandon Smith is excited to be working for public radio in Indiana. He has previously worked in public radio as a reporter and anchor in mid-Missouri for KBIA Radio out of Columbia. Prior to that, he worked for WSPY Radio in Plano, Illinois as a show host, reporter, producer and anchor. His first job in radio was in another state capitol, in Jefferson City, Missouri, as a reporter for three radio stations around Missouri. Brandon graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Journalism in 2010, with minors in political science and history. He was born and raised in Chicago.