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Gun violence touches every corner of Portland. In 2024 alone, our city witnessed 432 shooting incidents. This staggering number is more than just a statistic; it represents shattered lives, broken families, and a community in distress.
On July 19th at 4:05pm, there was a tragic shooting at Dawson Park in North Portland – a mile and a half from my home. There were two gunshot victims who are expected to survive. Officers found 70 bullet casings at the scene. And they believe an AR-15 was one of the firearms used. Since 2019, 18 shootings have occurred around Dawson Park, including three fatal shootings, police said.
I support a ban on AR-15 weapons because military style weapons like the one used in the Dawson Park shooting have no place on our streets.
I also support enacting waiting periods that require gun buyers to wait a prescribed time before completing a purchase. This will help prevent suicide deaths. Finally, we need to ensure Portlanders, especially BIPOC Portlanders, are not victims of wrongful police shootings by enacting a number of rules and regulations for our police officers.
As we all strive to keep our families safe, I am committed to advocating for sensible gun laws that promote safety and responsible ownership. Portland has the power to make a difference – to shield our community from gun violence and to support innovative programs aimed at preventing and addressing this crisis.
The terrible truth that many don’t know is that the most common form on gun violence is firearms suicide.
In 2022, 477 died by firearms suicide in Oregon. Every tragic life lost is a reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support and effective prevention strategies. Each statistic represents a person, a family, and a community left grappling with profound loss. We must address the underlying issues contributing to this crisis, including access to mental health resources, and advocate for gun safety policies that can help prevent these devastating outcomes.
While total shooting incidents are down 30 percent over the last three years, and gun-related homicides among Black Portlanders are down 38% in the last year, we must do more. I agree with many other city leaders that we need to approach this problem as holistically as possible to reach the root causes of gun violence.
My dedication to tackling gun violence has earned the endorsement of the Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund. I am honored to be the only Portland City Council candidate endorsed by Everytown For Gun Safety and Amie Wexler, the lead for Oregon Moms Demand Action. I am also proud to be recognized as a Moms Demand Action Gun Sense candidate.
Public safety is not just a priority for me; it is a guiding principle of my campaign. If elected to City Council, I will lead with unwavering commitment to make our city a safer place.
Gun reform saves lives, and we must demand better for Portland.
