Cleveland Lawmakers Issue Joint Statement on Warehouse District Mass Shooting
COLUMBUS – Cleveland state lawmakers, Reps. Darnell T. Brewer, Terrence Upchurch, and Juanita Brent today issued a joint statement following this morning’s shooting that wounded nine in Cleveland’s downtown Warehouse District.
“This morning’s mass shooting proves what too many families, first responders and communities already know– gun violence is a public health crisis. We are grieving with the victims and their families who are suffering following the horrific mass shooting that impacted our communities early Sunday morning. We are thankful to our brave first responders who rushed to the scene to help those injured and impacted.”
“The nine victims come from all across our communities and districts. Though there is not yet a loss of life, one victim is in critical condition. The truth is all victims, families and community members will bear the scars, trauma and devastation from this violent attack. As the investigation continues, we ask citizens and police to be safe until the perpetrator is brought to justice.”
“What played out in our community is just one of more than 365 mass shootings in the US this year already. Ohioans can’t afford to wait for more proof that it is well past the time to pass common sense gun safety measures that will keep our children, families and communities safe. Congress must step up and we will continue to engage our Ohio House of Representatives colleagues in meaningful dialogue to come together and find common ground to reduce gun violence and keep people safe.”
The shooting took place in Rep. Terrence Upchurch’s Ohio House district and includes known victims from neighboring House Districts 22 (Brent) and 18 (Brewer).
According to Everytown For Gun Safety, Ohio has the 17th-highest rate of gun violence in the U.S., with 1,702 gun deaths each year.
During the 135th General Assembly, Ohio House Democrats have introduced legislation that would enact commonsense gun legislation and keep our communities safe:
· HB 170 (Grim, Thomas, C.), Enacts the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act (“Red Flag” law)
· HB 175 (Miranda, Brewer), Prohibits negligent firearm storage
· HB 186 (Brennan, Brewer), Exempts sales of firearm safety devices from sales and use tax
· HB 217 (Somani, Thomas, C.), Require gun trigger locks with firearm sales
· HB 218 (Brewer, Upchurch), Restore local authority to generally regulate firearm conduct