Press Releases

Responding to the senseless gun violence that is disproportionately impacting Florida’s Congressional District 24, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson has appealed to the Department of Justice for program and funding assistance.

In a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch, the Florida lawmaker described the epidemic levels of violent crime that includes fatal shootings of more than 100 children in the past three years; seven men killed in seven months; and more recently, a six-year-old boy who was caught in the crossfire between retaliating gang members and tragically lost his life. Rep. Wilson also outlined several steps that she and local leaders have taken to stem the unnecessary violence, including securing grants from the Community Oriented Policing Services and Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation programs, and Miami-Dade County’s participation in the My Brother’s Keeper Community Challenge.

“Despite all of our efforts to stem the violence, victims and their families, concerned citizens and all those who care about our young people are demanding that more is done to stop these unnecessary killings. I, too, believe that additional Department of Justice resources are needed to ensure that our goals are realized and sustained. Our law enforcement community could benefit tremendously from the Department programs like the Emergency Federal Law Enforcement Assistance Program,” the letter reads. “I am formally requesting funds from that safety net to help fight senseless gun violence in Miami-Dade County. In addition, I am requesting a meeting with you or a representative from your office to discuss EFLEA and other DOJ programs that can help save lives, address gun violence, and build ladders of opportunity for my constituents. They deserve to live in a community where they can feel safe and raise their children to grow and thrive.”

Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a third-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school. Congresswoman Wilson also founded the Florida Ports Caucus, a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida’s harbors and waterways.