After Dec. 24 death of Imam Mohamed Hassan Adam, Rep. Jarrells urges the passage of HB 274 as Columbus homicide rates continue to break records

COLUMBUS–State Rep. Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus) issued the following statement after the Dec. 24 death of Imam Mohamed Hassan Adam, a well-respected religious leader in the Columbus Somali and Muslim communities, was ruled a homicide.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to the Hassan Adam family and our surrounding communities affected by this awful tragedy. As gun violence continues to plague communities across my district, I urge HB 274 to be passed as it would restore local authority to regulate firearm-related conduct. We must protect Ohioans by putting an end to gun violence in our state,” said Rep. Jarrells.

As of Dec. 29, Columbus has recorded a historic 200 homicides this year, surpassing last year’s record of 177. The vast majority of these homicides are gun-related. In response, Rep. Jarrells continues to call for action on House Bill (HB) 274, his legislation that would allow local governments to implement gun-safety policies that best ensure the safety and security of their communities. HB 274 was introduced in April 2021 and referred to the House State and Local Government Committee, but it has yet to receive the first hearing.