Durbin, Duckworth, Rep. Kelly Introduce Bicameral Resolution in Observance of National Gun Violence Awareness Month

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) in introducing a resolution to designate June 07, 2024, as “National Gun Violence Awareness Day” and June 2024 as “National Gun Violence Awareness Month.”

Each year, more than 43,000 people in the United States are killed and 76,000 are injured by gun violence, depriving many of a promising future. Designating both a specific day and month to bring attention to the issue of gun violence honors the thousands of Americans who are victims of gun violence every year, including Hadiya Pendleton, who was shot and killed in Chicago, Illinois, on January 29, 2013. Hadiya would have celebrated her 27th birthday this June.

Gun violence typically spikes at the start of the summer months.  This resolution accordingly urges heightened attention on gun violence during the month of June, and encourages Americans to work together to make our communities safer.

“Undeniably, gun violence is a public health crisis in this country—and now the leading cause of death for American kids. We hear of horrific shootings and their death tolls and injuries every day.  Too many families are losing children, parents, siblings, and loved ones to gunfire,” said Durbin. “As the summer begins and brings a rise in shootings along with it, we remember the victims of gun violence like Hadiya Pendleton.  We must recommit ourselves to real solutions to curb this crisis.  I call on my Republican colleagues to work alongside Democrats to pass additional, commonsense gun violence prevention measures to address this national tragedy.”

“As our nation continues to face acts of senseless mass gun violence, we are reminded that far too many of our friends and loved ones have had their lives tragically cut short,” said Duckworth. “During this year’s Gun Violence Awareness Month, we must not only honor the victims of gun violence like Hadiya Pendleton, but commit to taking action that will protect our children and help keep our communities safe.”

“Our children and grandchildren deserve to attend school, walk down their street, or visit a park without fear of losing their lives to gun violence,” said Kelly. “I am committed to passing commonsense solutions that address the root causes of this crisis and stop the cycle of violence in our communities. No family should have to suffer the tragic loss of a loved one to gun violence.” 

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