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Congresswoman Beatty Leads Community Conversation on Gun Violence

August 10, 2016

Congresswoman Beatty Leads Community Conversation on Gun Violence

Event focused on reducing gun violence, saving lives and unifying the community

COLUMBUS, OH – U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) held a Community Conversation on curbing gun violence in Central Ohio on August 9, 2016. With the theme of “We’re All In This Together,” the evening event brought together members of law enforcement, constituents, community leaders and elected officials to find solutions to stop the bloodshed and to facilitate greater understanding and collaboration between the police and the individuals they are entrusted to protect and serve. More than 150 concerned citizens attended Beatty’s Community Conversation at the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), Capital City Lodge #9, in Columbus, Ohio.

“Events like tonight’s are vital to ending the carnage and heartbreak endured by far too many families due to gun violence,” Beatty said. “The only way we can put an end to this epidemic is by working side-by-side. It will take buy-in from everyone.”

The first segment of the program featured a panel discussion on addressing gun violence and how law enforcement and communities can better work together. Panelists included Congresswoman Beatty; Zach Klein, President, Columbus City Council; Officer Keith Ferrell, Executive Vice President, FOP Local #9; Ebony Crosby, mother of Italy McCrae, a victim of gun violence; Jennifer Thorne, Executive Vice President, Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence; Pastor Frederick LaMarr, Family Missionary Baptist Church; Rev. Jonathan M.H. McReynolds, Oakley Full Gospel Baptist Church; Al Edmondson, community leader and organizer; and Robert Stewart, Assistant Director, Columbus Department of Public Safety. During her remarks, Beatty highlighted her ongoing work, as well as four gun violence prevention bills pending in Congress—including two pieces of legislation introduced by Republican Congressman Peter King (NY-02). The list of bills include: (1) Public Safety and Second Amendment Rights Protection Act, H.R. 1217; (2) Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act, H.R. 1076; (3) Background Check Completion Act, H.R. 3051; and (4) Hate Crimes Prevention Act, H.R. 4603. Beatty is a cosponsor of all four bills.

“Tonight’s message was clear: we can and must do more. I will continue to do everything I can here at home and in Washington to make our neighborhoods safer, to promote greater respect and to help more people feel like their voices and concerns are being heard.” Beatty continued, “I pledge to work with my Congressional colleagues, tonight’s panelists and attendees, leaders in the community, advocates, activists and any person willing to join me in the fight. We’re all in this together.”

Following the panel discussion, individuals in the audience were given an opportunity to ask questions of the panelists, share stories, and express their concerns.

Since the historic June 23rd Democratic sit-in on gun violence, which Beatty helped organize, the Congresswoman has participated in the National Day of Action to Prevent Gun Violence on June 29th, led a community conference call on July 11th, joined in the National Speak Out on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on July 14th, and met with numerous constituents and organizations in the District and in Washington.

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