Gun Violence
Gun Violence is a National Health Crisis and we need to address this growing crisis through the lens of a health- based approach. I have lost many family members due to gun violence. My cousin lost her son to a shooting in River Oaks Mall in 2019. At least 70 teens and children under the age 18 have been shot in Chicago this year, at least four more than last year during this time. In 2021, we had 800 homicides in Chicago and 4,328 shootings. This can’t be our new norm! Our communities are blighted with gun violence and we are losing our children far too soon. As Dr. King said we are confronted with the fierce urgency of now!
Our politicians have accepted militarization of our streets and private prisons as a plan to reduce gun violence. I have a plan, as Alderman, that requires all of Chicago to work together. We must provide the necessary resources and tools for those impacted by socioeconomic factors that correlate with increasing gun violence.
It is through street outreach, coaching & counseling, workforce development, advocacy & prevention, and policy changes that will assist removing gun violence from our streets. As Alderman, I will do the following:
Increase City funding for mental health services, social services, and violence interrupters
Assist in bridging the community and police relationship to help end the code of silence
Work with the community, State and local officials to repeal the liability shield for gun manufacturers
Further tighten Chicago gun laws to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers and other criminals
Partner with City, State, and Federal elected officials to improve strategic alignment to combat gun violence
Tighten punishment for straw purchases