Gun Violence
Chicago has become the epicenter of our nation’s gun violence epidemic. In 2016, 786 lives were claimed by gun violence in Chicago. Nationally, the death toll was over 15,000 last year. Too many of our families have been affected by this wave of violence.
This issue permeates every corner of American life and I am committed to finding a common sense solution that will keep more Americans safe. In 2014, I published the Kelly Report on Gun Violence in America, an in-depth Congressional analysis on the gun violence epidemic in America. I also launched the Urban Progress (UP) Initiative, a collaborative effort between my colleagues in Congress and community partners to reduce gun violence and increase economic opportunity.
Lastly, gun violence is a threat to our public health, and communities across America. I will continue working to expand access to quality mental health care services and support common sense legislation to reduce the threat of gun violence and gun suicides.
More on Gun Violence
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today introduced a resolution in the Senate establishing June 5, 2020, as “National Gun Violence Awareness Day” and designating June as “National Gun Violence Awareness Month.” U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) will introduce a companion resolution in the House.
Last year, the House of Representatives passed the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019. This legislation is the most significant and meaningful gun safety measure passed by Congress in nearly two decades.
Despite overwhelming support from the American people, the bill still has not been considered by the Senate despite the tragic fact that nearly 40,000 Americans died from gun violence over the last year.
Who is the culprit on this criminal inaction? Mitch McConnell.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Frustrated Democrats again lambasted Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell Thursday as they marked a year of Senate inaction since the House passed landmark gun control legislation.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi acknowledged that Democrats have been here before — complaining about McConnell’s “legislative graveyard” — but she said Democrats were energized to “accelerate a drumbeat” on calls for McConnell to allow a Senate vote on a House-passed bill to expand background checks for gun purchases.
About seven years ago, President Barack Obama issued an urgent plea while speaking with Sandy Hook Elementary School families in Newtown, Connecticut. He said America was failing to protect our nation's most valued treasure—our children.
We had thought gun violence was unthinkable in wealthy, suburban communities and that our children would have some moral protection. Sadly, after 26 people, including 20 children between 6 and 7 years old, were killed in Newtown, we've seen tragedy after tragedy in all American communities. It is now clear that no child is safe.
Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Ill., introduced legislation on Dec. 10 that would provide $40 million in grants for state and local governments to purchase gunfire detection technologies.
Washington D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL) and Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) introduced the Gunfire Detection and Location Technology Act.
The legislation would direct the U.S. Attorney General to provide grants to states and localities for gunfire detection and location technology. Specifically, it would authorize $40 million in grants to be distributed in equal parts over the coming four fiscal years.
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Federal agents trace nearly half a million guns used in crimes each year, often turning up a dangerous link that's putting guns in the hands of criminals. Now, the I-Team is investigating a loophole linking recent high profile shootings: Criminals getting around gun safety laws by exploiting legal sales.
In last month's battlefield in Culiacan, Mexico connected to the arrest of El Chapo's son, the combatants were armed with heavy weaponry of an ongoing cartel arms race. The I-Team has uncovered that that arms race now stretches to Illinois.
In 2016, there were nearly 800 homicides in Chicago – a 20-year high. That number dropped to 561 by the end of 2018.
U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-2nd District), who co-chairs the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, has introduced a number of bills addressing gun violence.
“Take Ebola. I think a couple of people died in the United States and we immediately jumped and gave resources and things like that,” Kelly said. “Well, look how many people are dying.”
Congresswoman Robin Kelly today announced that Kankakee County was awarded a $244,382 federal grant to fund violence prevention programs at Kankakee School District 111 and other county schools. The grant includes mental health crisis intervention and suicide prevention strategies.
WASHINGTON — Sometimes it pays just to show up.
It did on Wednesday for gun control advocates frustrated with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who is refusing to call any gun bills until President Donald Trump tells him what he wants done.
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Robin Kelly
Office Locations
Washington, DC Office
Phone: (202) 225-0773
Fax: (202) 225-4583
Office Hours: M-F 9:00am-5:00pm (EST)
Chicago Office
Phone: (773) 321-2001
Office hours: 9:00am-5:00pm
Kankakee Office
Phone: (708) 679-0078
Lower Level
Office Hours: open on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Matteson Office
Phone: (708)-679-0078
Fax: (708)-679-0216
Office hours: 9:00am-5:00pm
