(Source: MIRS.news, Published 03/15/2023) Gun violence survivor Gabby Giffords said on the Capitol steps Wednesday afternoon that "change doesn't happen overnight" and it can't be done alone. But "when people care for each other and work together, progress is possible. The world is possible."
The former Arizona congresswoman, who recovered from a bullet wound to the head to found a national gun violence prevention advocacy group, put a capstone on a midday Capitol rally at which advancing safe storage, expanded background checks and red flag laws in Michigan were the focus.
Giffords was personally assisted to the Capitol steps by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and greeted by Attorney General Dana Nessel, U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly), U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn), Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids), Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) and numerous other state legislators.
At least 500 supporters of gun ownership restrictions cheered over a pair of rally disruptors, who barked out commentary over a megaphone and sounded off a siren in a continuous loop during the 75-minute event. The noise didn't seem to rattle the speakers.
"You can make all the noise that you want, but you will never silence our voices and you will never stop us from doing everything we can to protect the health and safety of the public," Nessel said.
Whitmer spoke of the hard days after the mass shootings at Oxford High School and Michigan State University before pledging "common sense" changes in the state gun ownership laws that are supported by "responsible gun owners."
"The good news is we do not have to live like this and we will not live like this anymore," she said. "We can and we will take action."
She mentioned a House bill that moved last week that requires future long gun and rifle purchasers to register those weapons and go through a background check. The fact this doesn't take place now "doesn't make any sense, right?
Whitmer and Giffords also held round table in Warren with former state Rep. Buzz Thomas, law enforcement, and gun owners about legislation and gun violence prevention.
Today, I met with Michiganders to hear about the impact gun violence has had on their lives. While their stories are unique one thing rang true: only thoughts and prayers are not enough. We need action. It’s our duty to create a safer state for every Michigander.
