(WTAJ) — A sea of orange took over the State Capitol today, as lawmakers and activists recognized ”Gun Violence Awareness Day.”
Matt Heckel reports that Governor Wolf was one of those in attendance at today’s rally and while he says some progress has been made, he’s pushing for more action from lawmakers in an effort to reduce gun violence in Pennsylvania.
In a building where it’s usually a battle of red versus blue on Wednesday, it was awash in orange for “Gun Violence Awareness Day.”
“We need to end mass shootings in Pennsylvania,” said Gov. Tom Wolf (D) Pennsylvania.
Last year, Governor wolf signed into law act 79, forcing domestic abusers to surrender their guns. The state’s first new gun law in 14 years.
“What we’ve accomplished so far, though, is just a start. Let’s be the ones to end gun violence in our commonwealth once and for all,” said Governor Wolf.
“Easter Sunday, March 30, 1975, my father was murdered in front of my family,” said Rep. Johnson-Harrell.
Representative “Movita Johnson-Harrell” who not only lost her father to gun violence but later her brother and son…
“We found out that my son was murdered in a case of mistaken identity, by two boys who could not have gotten guns legally, because they had previous criminal records, said Rep. Johnson-Harrell.”
She joined the governor Wednesday to call for more legislation, like universal background checks.
Something the national rifle association opposes saying background checks don’t stop criminals from getting firearms, and most mass shooters actually pass background checks. But those at the capitol on Wednesday say they will continue their fight.
“Because all of our children have a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Thank you,” said Rep. Johnson-Harrell.
This Friday marks “National Gun Violence Awareness Day.