PITTSBURGH, PA (August 6, 2019) Mayor William Peduto and Moms Demand Action founder Shannon Watts today called for immediate state and federal action on common sense gun safety measures, similar to those approved by the City of Pittsburgh this year.
The Mayor said federal and state lawmakers should act within 30 days on long-delayed measures, similar to those he and City Council approved in April banning the use of assault-style weapons and certain ammunition and accessories, and the adoption of a “red flag” law allowing courts to temporarily seize firearms from those who are a danger to themselves or others.
“We have debated these issues for decades. It’s time for action. Anybody who ran for legislative office ran on the promise to citizens that they would vote on difficult issues, even issues they’re afraid of. If you’re not willing to vote, resign,” Mayor Peduto said.
His announcement came after discussions with Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley and Moms Demand Action founder Shannon Watts, in the wake of gun massacres last weekend that killed 29 people in Dayton and El Paso, and the October murders of 11 congregants at Tree of Life, New Light Congregation and Dor Hadash in Squirrel Hill.
Moms Demand Action is the grassroots arm of Everytown for Gun Safety, which is the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country and has more than 6 million supporters.
Mayor Peduto today called for:
- An immediate U.S. Senate vote on two pending gun safety measures approved by the House in March
- Congressional approval of nationwide “red flag” laws
- Congressional approval of bans on assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines
- Pennsylvania General Assembly legislation ending any state preemption of local firearms laws and criminal charges against local legislators
- Approval of pending bills introduced by Senators Costa and Fontana, Representative Frankel and others banning assault-style rifles, high capacity magazines and adopting statewide “red flag” laws
“It is time for the leadership in the House and the Senate of the Pennsylvania legislature to allow these bills to move from committee and allow all legislators to vote. Vote yes, vote no, but vote – and we’re calling on them to do so in the next 30 days,” Mayor Peduto said.
