The resolution has more than 100 original cosponsors in the House of Representatives. Rep. Kelly represents Homewood and Flossmoor in Congress.
Each year, more than 43,000 people in the United States are killed and 76,000 are injured by gun violence.
June 2 is the birthday of Chicago teen Hadiya Pendleton, who was shot and killed in a Chicago park in 2013, just days after performing in the parade for President Obama’s second inauguration.
In Hadiya’s memory, the resolution encourages people to wear orange, the color hunters wear for safety, to promote awareness of gun violence, and to serve as a reminder that people are not targets. Additionally, this resolution aims to bring community leaders together and promote new approaches to creating safer communities.
“Gun violence is a public health crisis that causes pain and trauma for thousands of Americans across our communities on a daily basis. Children should not be afraid of getting shot when they are simply living their lives in their own neighborhoods,” Kelly said. “I am committed to passing common-sense solutions that address the root causes of this crisis and stop the cycle of violence. Our current reality is unacceptable, we have no choice but to act.”
“It’s clear: gun violence is a public health crisis in this country. From horrific mass shootings to the daily toll of gun deaths and injuries, too many families are losing children, parents, siblings, and loved ones to gunfire,” Durbin said.
“It’s heartbreaking how often our nation just barely catches its breath only for that breath to be stolen almost immediately as another wave of preventable gun violence rips loved ones away from each other,” said Duckworth.