PITTSBURGH, PA (April 9, 2019) Surrounded by family members and friends of those killed on October 27 at the Tree of Life synagogue in Squirrel Hill and others affected by gun violence, Mayor William Peduto today signed new firearms regulations approved last week by Pittsburgh City Council.
The Mayor noted that the common sense measures he and Council were approving would not only help safeguard those targeted by mass shootings but also help address the gun violence plaguing city neighborhoods every day.
“If Washington and Harrisburg refuse to recognize this is a public health emergency, and refuse to stand up to gun manufacturers, then we must take action to challenge laws and protect our people,” the Mayor said.
Bills sponsored by the two council members representing Squirrel Hill – Corey O’Connor and Erika Strassburger – ban the use of assault weapons in the city; the use of certain ammunition and modified guns; and implements Extreme Risk Protection Orders, in which courts would temporarily take firearms away from those shown to be a danger to themselves or others.
The Mayor also signed legislation on the STOP the Violence initiative headed by Councilmen Rev. Ricky Burgess and R. Daniel Lavelle.
“This is an historic day for Pittsburgh” said Councilman O’Connor. “I want to thank my Co-Sponsor, Councilperson Strassburger, and my colleagues who supported this common sense gun legislation that is a step forward in keeping our city safe.”
“I am proud to have been a part of authoring these ordinances that rein in the use of assault weapons and certain firearm accessories, protect Pittsburgh’s children from the dangers of firearms, fund anti-violence and Group Violence Intervention initiatives, help to address suicide, family violence, and group violence in our communities, and increase public safety in our neighborhoods, public places, places of worship, and other institutions,” Councilperson Strassburger said.
“I look forward to building on the progress of passing these ordinances and continuing to create a more peaceful and safer Pittsburgh. I thank Mayor Peduto and my Council colleagues for their support, especially fellow prime sponsor Councilman O’Connor for his leadership.”
Last weekend the city hosted students and family members of those killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., to push for stronger gun regulations nationwide.
On Wednesday Mayor Peduto will attend a meeting by the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Toledo to discuss strategies to reduce gun violence.
