PHILADELPHIA – Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund and the Pennsylvania chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown, released the following statement after Movita Johnson-Harrell won the special election to represent Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 190. Johnson-Harrell, a volunteer with the Pennsylvania chapter of Moms Demand Action, has been personally affected by gun violence: Her father, brother, cousin and 18-year-old son were tragically shot and killed at different points in her life. Johnson-Harrell ran on a platform of ending gun violence.
In support of Johnson-Harrell, Pennsylvania Moms Demand Action volunteers engaged in grassroots electoral efforts by tirelessly knocking on doors in their community to inform their friends and neighbors about the importance of electing Johnson-Harrell, a supporter of common-sense gun safety policies.
“After her son was killed by gun violence, Movita Johnson-Harrell somehow found the strength to step up and work to save others from tragedy,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “Everytown applauds Ms. Johnson-Harrell on her victory, and we’re eager to partner with her to achieve our shared goal: passing common-sense gun safety laws.”
“Last year, we saw unprecedented numbers of Moms Demand Action volunteers run for office and win,” said Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “I am delighted that Movita Johnson-Harrell has joined their ranks and is adding ‘lawmaker’ to her portfolio of gun safety activism.”
“I’m thrilled that Movita Johnson-Harrell has been elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives,” said Jennifer Lugar, a volunteer with the Pennsylvania chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and member of the Everytown Survivor Network. “As a gun violence survivor, community leader, and victims advocate, she will be a forceful champion for the citizens of Pennsylvania.”
