Demanding Action on Gun Violence

May 25, 2022
Sometimes when tragedy strikes, as it has in Buffalo and now Uvalde, Texas, there are just emotions and few words – it’s why we call it unspeakable tragedy. We turn towards one another to seek support and express those emotions and our response. There is usually the urge to DO SOMETHING.
In that vein, this morning I drove up to Hartford to join Governor Lamont, fellow legislators, and advocates to stand in support of those in Texas, those who have been re-traumatized today, and in support of strengthening common sense gun laws. I found myself on the Capitol steps next to Kristin Song, whose son Ethan’s death spurred her successful fight for safe gun storage laws. I was also beside Deborah Davis, whose son Phillip was a victim of gun violence in Hartford. These two Moms are some of the people who have helped our state pass a ban on high capacity magazines, and assault weapons.

Working with advocates like CT Against Gun Violence and Moms Demand Action, these Moms have helped improve our Extreme Risk Protection order laws, allowing family members and medical providers to apply for a warrant when they believe a family member is in danger.

Estimates are that for every 10-20 risk warrants issued, one life is saved.

From 1999 - 2013, Connecticut's "Red Flag" law prevented approximately 78 suicides. Common sense gun legislation saves lives. I was proud we took action here in Connecticut. And in recent years we implemented more gun safety reforms to reduce mass shootings (in addition to accidents and suicides in which guns are involved). Now we need Congress to take some of these same steps.

Today certainly is about praying for the families whose loved ones were killed, and the entire Uvalde community. It’s about caring for those around us who are re-living the trauma of Sandy Hook. Below are some resources to help talk with your children about what happened in Texas and what has happened in way too many communities in our country. Given the nature of the news cycle, it is likely that even the youngest among us is hearing about the tragic deaths of their peers.

Today is also a day to let our federal leaders know they must act to keep our communities safe. This isn’t just a time for prayers, but for policy and politics as well.
Contact Connecticut's Federal Delegation
There will be many emotions today and in the days to come – despair, rage, frustration, consternation, and more. We will all respond differently to this, but please, I ask you to respond. Don’t turn away, don’t become numb, and don’t think that anyone is immune. Gun violence is ubiquitous in our nation. Which means it will be up to all of us to do something about it. I am deeply committed to passing common sense gun violence prevention measures and to stopping the senseless murder of our children. I hope you will join me.