Saint Paul, Minn. - In a historic gathering, state legislators from across the country convened at the White House on December 13th, 2023, for a crucial discussion on gun violence prevention. The event, hosted by Vice President Kamala Harris and the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, marked the largest-ever White House convening of state lawmakers dedicated to this critical issue.
Representative Cedrick Frazier, Vice Chair of the Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee, released the following statement:
“I extend my deepest gratitude to the White House and Vice President Harris for convening this critical dialogue on gun violence prevention. The epidemic of gun violence in our nation has reached a heartbreaking tipping point, and this collaborative effort is a vital step toward building a safer future for every American.
The epidemic of gun violence continues to claim lives every day, more than 110 Americans are killed with guns, and more than 200 are shot and wounded. These are not just statistics; they are stories of lives cut short, families devastated, and communities forever marked by tragedy. We cannot, we must not, accept this as our reality.
This session, I was proud to lead the passage of two critical bills into law: the Intervention and Crime Prevention Act and the Red Flag Law. They invest in mental health resources, empower families to intervene in times of crisis, and support community-based crime prevention services. These are not partisan issues; they are matters of life and death, and they deserve our collective support.
I want to thank my House and Senate colleagues who were able to attend this convening. Your presence demonstrates a shared commitment to tackling this complex issue. This convening is a beacon of hope in the face of darkness. Let us carry this momentum forward, united in our purpose and unwavering in our commitment to building a safer future for all.”
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