CAMDEN, NJ – Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) joined advocates, leaders and community members in Camden to march against gun violence. Last year, our nation logged a record number of mass shootings, more than one a day and since the Sandy Hook massacre in 2012, more than 220 shootings have taken place on school campuses. These statistics are sobering and disconcerting for our future and the ability for someone to put their hands on a weapon.

“Many of my colleagues in Congress have chosen to listen to the NRA instead of the American people, so I stand with Camden and ask: Do we represent the NRA or USA? There are simple, common-sense things we can do right now to help save American lives: We can ban assault rifles, stop suspected terrorists from buying weapons, strengthen background checks, close loopholes, allow for proper gun violence research and end gun trafficking. Let’s stop waiting and take action now,” said Rep. Norcross.

Norcross marched alongside Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Camden City Mayor Dana Redd, Councilman Brian Coleman, Police Chief Chief Scott Thomson and victims of gun violence. The march began at Henry L. Bonsall Elementary School and concluded with a rally at Whitman Square Park.

“With nationwide deaths of more than 30,000 people last year at the hands of guns and a record number of mass shootings in 2016 we have a moral imperative to stand up and do something about this insanity,” said Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli. “There is no secret that Camden has had and continues to suffer at the hands of this ongoing crisis. Guns continue to be the contributing factor to most countywide homicides and severe trauma suffered throughout our county. This is the time for us to work together to break the cycle and stop the violence.”

Gun violence has been a scourge on Camden City undermining public safety and creating a public health crisis throughout all 21 neighborhoods. The contraction of firearm laws and the explosion of gun sales to 300 million a year has created a nation where these weapons are a key tool in all crimes from robbery to homicide. Furthermore, the propensity and ubiquity of guns used in the city and throughout Camden County has had devastating effects on our community touching every facet of life and compromising the public welfare of residents.

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Contact:
Ally Kehoe, Communications Director
ally.kehoe@mail.house.gov