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Ohio Moms Demand Action Statement on Increased Gun Violence and Gov. DeWine’s Call to Pass SB 221

8.20.2020

The Ohio chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots networks, today released the following statement after Governor Mike DeWine called for passage of SB 221, a package he proposed that would not require background checks on all gun sales or create a real red flag law:

“We could not agree more that ‘enough is enough,’” said Kristine Woodworth, a volunteer with the Ohio chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Unfortunately, the Governor’s proposals are so watered down that they wouldn’t actually require background checks on all gun sales or create a real red flag law. People in Ohio are dying from gun violence and it won’t stop until Ohio leaders step up and take real action on proven gun safety measures to save lives.”

According to the Dayton Daily, Governor DeWine said at least 56 people have been shot, including 17 killed, across Ohio since August 14 and has renewed his call to pass Senate Bill 221. The bill would create an optional background check facilitated by the Ohio Department of Public Safety —  despite the fact that background checks are already optional for unlicensed gun sales—and does not include a real red flag proposal.