Democratic leaders push for new gun control bill

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania (WHTM) — Democratic leaders rallied at the Pennsylvania State Capitol to push for legislation focused on tougher gun control.

“We want people to be safe. We want kids not to have to crawl under desks to practice hiding from shooters. We want children and old people to walk to our stores without fear of being shot,” said Senator Sharif Street of Philadelphia’s Third District.

Democrats managed to pass two bills in the House. The first is enacting “red flag” laws and the second is expanding background checks. The bill is almost certain to be defeated in the Senate, but supporters say it’s their best chance in years and they don’t want to let it go to waste.

“It’s extremely important. Summer is coming. This is very important because the bill has already passed the House. With the governor indicating his intention to sign common-sense gun reform, this is It’s very important,” said Senator Vincent Hughes of the 7th congressional district.

Eight out of 10 murders last year involved firearms, according to the Pew Research Center. The vast majority of homicides and suicides in the United States are gun-related.

“When we hear the news that someone has died needlessly again, we get worried just thinking about it. We wake up in the morning and turn on the news and worry that there will be another tragedy.” Hughes said.

In a month devoted to preventing gun violence, lawmakers pledge to keep working to reduce the number of future tragedies.