WASHINGTON — Tuesday’s Jersey City shootout that took the lives of a police officer and five others immediately sparked a new debate for legislation to restrict some access to firearms.

“America needs sensible gun safety legislation now,” said Rep Frank Pallone Jr., D-6th Dist. “This does not have to be our reality.”

Rep. Andy Kim, D-3rd Dist., who received support from gun control groups when he ousted National Rifle Association-backed Republican Rep. Tom MacArthur in 2018, also reacted to the shooting by championing gun control legislation.

Sadly more New Jerseyans lost their lives and we stand with their families tonight. We must support our first responders who helped fight back against this senseless violence and need to take common-sense measures to keep guns out of the hands of those who commit such acts. — RepAndyKim (@RepAndyKimNJ) December 10, 2019

The Democratic-controlled House voted earlier this year to expand background checks, but the legislation has languished in the Republican-controlled Senate and President Donald Trump has backtracked from his pledge to support stronger gun laws.

Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-11th Dist., who made the background check bill the first measure she co-sponsored in the House, accused the Senate of “an abrogation” of its responsibilities by refusing to take up the legislation.

Other New Jersey lawmakers simply offered support for first responders and sympathy for the victims of the shooting.

“I am horrified by the tragic news coming out of Jersey City this afternoon, that the shooters killed several people, including a police officer, and injured several others," said Rep. Albio Sires, D-8th Dist. “I would like to extend my condolences to the family and friends of the victims of this indiscriminate violence.”

UPDATE: Six people have been killed, including a police officer, in Jersey City today.



My thoughts and prayer are with the family and friends of the victims as well as the entire law enforcement community. These terrible tragedies have got to stop! https://t.co/UO1OBV3kqp — Rep. Donald Payne Jr (@RepDonaldPayne) December 10, 2019

The tragic events in Jersey City today are heartbreaking.



My prayers are with the victims, including a @JCPoliceDept officer, & their families. Thank you to the brave first responders who run toward danger to help others.



These tragedies must end #EnoughIsEnough https://t.co/7W8RXdGfl5 — Donald Norcross (@DonaldNorcross) December 10, 2019

Several deaths are currently being reported, including a police officer.



This is tragic news and we mourn with their families and loved ones. https://t.co/Hbly3t1dsP — Rep Josh Gottheimer (@RepJoshG) December 10, 2019

My heart is breaking for the friends, family and colleagues of the brave @jcpolicedept officer who has been killed.



I join with all those in New Jersey and across the country in praying for the men and women in uniform and their families who are fighting to keep us safe. — Senator Bob Menendez (@SenatorMenendez) December 10, 2019

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.

Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips

Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.com’s newsletters.