Senate Democrats, Survivors, Family Members to Hold Hearing on Protecting Children from Gun Violence
On Wednesday, March 7th at 4:00pm, U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Bill Nelson (D-FL) will co-host a Senate Democrats hearing entitled “America Speaks Out: Protecting Our Children from Gun Violence.” The Senators will hear testimony from survivors of gun violence and family members who want Congress to take swift action to strengthen our nation’s gun laws.
FEATURING:
David Hogg, 17-year old student from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School – Since a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that claimed the lives of 17 of his fellow classmates, David Hogg has been a prominent voice in the student-led movement against gun violence.
Fred Guttenberg, father of Jaime Guttenberg, age 14, who was killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School – Since his daughter’s death, Fred has been speaking out against gun violence and recently participated in a CNN Town Hall where he spoke with Senator Marco Rubio about his positions on gun violence prevention. His testimony can be found here.
Francine Wheeler, mother of Ben Wheeler, age 6, who was killed in the 2013 Sandy Hook Shooting – Since the death of her son, Francine and her husband, David, have been advocating for gun safety reforms such as universal background checks. Her testimony can be found here.
Lori Haas, mother of a survivor of the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting and Virginia State Director of the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence – Lori’s daughter Emily was one of 17 people wounded in the attack at Virginia Tech in 2007. Following her daughter’s recovery, Lori became an advocate to urge law enforcement, faith leaders, survivors, and elected officials to enact tougher gun laws. Her testimony can be found here.
Kim Bose, mother of Joseph Bose, age 20, who killed by gun violence in 2015 – Kim’s son, Joseph, was a student at Hampton University when he was shot and killed while visiting friends in 2015. Kim has since become an advocate for gun safety legislation. Her testimony can be found here.
Hank Stawinski, Police Chief of the Prince George’s County Police Department – a 25-year veteran of the Prince George’s County police force, Chief Stawinski will discuss the effect of gun violence on law enforcement. The Prince George’s County Police Department recently lost an officer who was shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence incident. His testimony can be found here. His testimony can be found here.
Eva Jones, high school student and gun violence prevention activist –Eva lives in a rural community in Oregon and she is concerned that students must now live with the ever-present fear of gun violence in their schools and communities. She is organizing a school-wide and countywide walkout calling for change. Her testimony can be found here.
Katrina Kickbush, a 22-year veteran teacher –Katrina is a special education teacher in Baltimore. She will discuss the emotional toll active shooter drills take on students and explain why it is not feasible to arm teachers as a way to prevent gun violence. Her testimony can be found here.
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), Patty Murray (D-WA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) attended the hearing.
