Joined By Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman and Gun Sense Lawmakers, Volunteers with Kentucky Chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action Rally for Gun Safety in Frankfort

FRANKFORT, KY. — Today, more than 150 volunteers and survivors with the Kentucky chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, gathered for their annual Advocacy Day at the statehouse to meet with lawmakers and advocate for gun safety measures to be passed this legislative session. Volunteers were joined by gun sense lawmakers, advocates and survivors, including Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman, State Senator David Yates, State Representative Keturah Herron, and State Representative Lindsey Burke. 

“We’re back at the statehouse this year to tell our lawmakers that the time for common sense gun violence prevention legislation is now,” said Kristal Smith, a volunteer with the Kentucky chapter of Moms Demand Action. “I know the devastation that gun violence releases on communities and I refuse to let another tragedy happen in Kentucky when the solutions are out there. Today, we told our lawmakers that we need them to fight for our safety, not cower to the gun lobby and pass dangerous bills that would put more guns in our neighborhoods.” 

Today, volunteers advocated in support of SB 13, legislation to implement Crisis Aversion and Rights Retention (CARR) orders. CARR orders would protect Kentuckians who are in crisis by providing law enforcement officers with a life-saving tool they can use to prevent gun violence tragedies, such as firearm suicides and mass shootings when they recognize warning signs. Volunteers also spoke in support of the creation of an office of safer communities, which would create a state plan to reduce violence through an evidence-based, whole-of-government approach. 

This year’s advocacy day comes less than a year after the mass shooting at Old National Bank in Louisville that killed five people and left eight injured. In the wake of this tragedy, state lawmakers have failed to take any life-saving action and have instead actively worked to weaken the state’s existing laws. This includes a dangerous nullification law that seeks to prohibit any public officer or employee of the state, including state and local law enforcement officers, to assist with the enforcement of new federal gun laws or regulations that would help keep Kentucky safe. 

In an average year, 823 people die by guns in Kentucky and another 1,531 are wounded. Gun violence costs Kentucky $9.6 billion each year, of which $183.4 million is paid by taxpayers. More information on gun violence in Kentucky is available here.

To speak to a local volunteer with Moms Demand Action, a volunteer with Students Demand Action, or a policy expert, please don’t hesitate to reach out.