TN Lawmakers Promote Gun Violence Prevention at White House

Democratic legislators support Biden's Office of Gun Violence Prevention

A group of Tennessee lawmakers has been invited by President Biden to attend a White House event this week announcing the creation of a federal Office of Gun Violence Prevention.

Senate Democratic Leader Raumesh Akbari of Memphis will be joined by House Democratic Leader Karen Camper, also from Memphis, and Rep. Harold Love from Nashville at the White House event.

The legislators expressed disappointment in a special legislative session held in August and said it represented a failure to advance policy solutions. By contrast, they are hopeful federal action will make a meaningful policy impact.

Sen. Akbari and Rep. Love said in a joint statement:

“President Joe Biden’s decision to establish the first-ever federal office of gun violence prevention is a promise kept and a crucial step towards addressing the pressing issue of gun violence in our nation, particularly in states like Tennessee.

“For a decade, Tennessee’s controlling party has made it easier for criminals to get guns and shootings have skyrocketed.

“After a crushing state special session on gun violence where no action was taken, this announcement is welcome news for Tennesseans who want new approaches to stop future shootings. Tennesseans deserve better than what they’re getting from our state government so we are thrilled to play a part in this announcement and we look forward to helping this office realize its potential.”

Rep. Camper added:

"As a state legislator, I have seen laws passed at the state level that have put more guns on the street and policies that have led to more gun crimes, particularly here in Memphis. Our neighborhoods and our schools are less safe today than they were in the past. We should be able to shop, worship and learn without worrying about being shot."

Sen. Raumesh Akbari, Rep. Karen Camper, Rep. Harold LovePhoto bySenate Democratic Caucus