Raghib Allie-Brennan

Today is Gun Violence Awareness Day and marks the beginning of Wear Orange Weekend. We #WearOrange to honor the lives of people in the United States affected by gun violence, and elevate the voices of those demanding an end to this scourge on our children, families, and communities.

We have a duty to protect our residents from gun violence. Last year, I voted to strengthen CT's “Red Flag” law to protect and save the lives of Connecticut residents, and avoid tragedies before they happen.

Red Flag Laws prevent individuals who show signs of being a threat to themselves or others from purchasing or possessing any kind of firearm. Between 1999 and 2013, Connecticut's "Red Flag" law prevented approximately 78 suicides. For every 10 to 20 Risk Warrants issued, one life is saved.