| WASHINGTON,
D.C. – U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), members of Congress,
concerned citizens, and others today held a vigil on the Capitol steps
to remember victims of gun violence. Participants urged immediate
action by Congress to pass sensible gun safety measures that would require
the sale of child safety locks with each handgun, close the gun show sales
loophole, and ban the importation of large capacity ammunition clips.
“Having
attended too many funerals where grieving families are left with nothing
but pain, I am sickened that Congress has failed to act to protect other
families from losing a loved one to gun violence. Waiting any longer
to pass sensible gun safety legislation is simply criminal,” Schakowsky
said.
During
the vigil, the members unveiled photographs of victims. Following
the vigil, members will be displaying the photographs from their districts
in their offices. A “virtual gallery” of the photographs and stories of
each victim can be viewed at http://democraticleader.house.gov.
“These
pictures are a grim reminder of the devastation of gun violence.
They remind us of the shattered lives of mothers who will never get the
chance to hug their children again or sons who will never have the opportunity
to play ball with their fathers. We are here today to renew our call
for action. We cannot afford to lose another life to guns,” Schakowsky
said.
Victims
from the 9th Congressional District are:
-
Ronald
Raymond Walker II, age 15
Ronald
Raymond Walker II was 15 years old when he was shot and killed instantly
on December 12, 1996, by a random act of violence as he left a corner grocery
store in Evanston, Illinois. He was shot with a .32 caliber handgun, once
in the forehead and once through the left ear. He was a sophomore
in high school.
-
Wayne
Hoffman-Reid, Jr., age 13
Wayne
Hoffman-Reid, Jr. was a 13-year-old young man when he was taken from his
family and his friends. At the time of his death, Wayne was one week
away from graduating from the 8th grade at Haven Middle School in Evanston,
Illinois. Wayne was shot during a sniper attack on June 5, 1997.
He was shot in the back in the middle of his shoulder blade by a .38 caliber
bullet.
Ricky
Byrdsong lived in Skokie, Illinois. He was a loving husband and father,
a leader in the community, a former basketball coach at Northwestern University,
and a man of deep religious faith. And he was murdered in cold blood.
His only crime was the color of his skin. He was African-American.
He was shot by a hate monger on July 2, 1999.
-
Andrew
Needhan Young, age 19
Andrew
Needham Young loved his family, especially younger brothers PJ and Toothie.
He was a nationally ranked speedskater, had many friends, and attended
Community College. He was shot through the heart on June 10, 1996
by a young man who had easy access to a straw-purchased Bryco 9mm semi-automatic
handgun. Andrew died in his twin brother’s arms. |
