Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) called for Congress to pass a national “assault weapon” ban on Tuesday following the New York City shooting on Monday night. 

“Yesterday, New York lost four innocent lives in a horrific act of violence. Among them was NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, a 3 1/2-year veteran who leaves behind a wife eight months pregnant and two young sons,” Hochul said in a statement. “My heart is with his loved ones, his NYPD family and every victim of this tragedy.”

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The 27-year-old shooter died of self-inflicted wounds. A motive for the shooting has not been determined.

In a statement, Hochul noted that the weapon used by the gunman on Park Avenue was an AR-15 rifle, which is most commonly used in mass shootings in the United States. The suspect, Shane Tamura, had a gun permit in Las Vegas. Nevada does not have laws regulating “assault weapons.”

New York’s gun laws are viewed as some of the strictest in the country, according to Hochul. In New York, “assault weapons” are banned, and the Red Flag Law, which temporarily removes firearms from people deemed a danger to themselves or others, has been strengthened. 

However, Hochul noted that strengthened enforcement doesn’t prevent violence in New York.

“Our laws only go so far when an AR-15 can be obtained in a state with weak gun laws and brought into New York to commit mass murder,” Hochul said.

Hochul called on Congress to enforce a nationwide ban on military-style weapons, stating, “The time to act is now.”

“The American people are tired of thoughts and prayers. They deserve action,” Hochul said. “Congress must summon the courage to stand up to the gun lobby and finally pass a national assault weapons ban before more innocent lives are stolen.”

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The governor added in an X post that this ban has worked in the past and that “Republicans in Congress must find the courage to pass it again.”

On Monday night, Hochul condemned the shooting as a “horrific act of violence” and paid tribute to Officer Islam, directing state flags to be lowered to half-staff until further notice.

“Our hearts are with their loved ones and everyone affected by this tragedy, and we honor the first responders who bravely ran toward danger,” Hochul said.