Press Releases

MIAMI – Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), joined Miami-Dade County Commissioner Audrey Edmonson, City of Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado, clergy, and law enforcement officials for a press conference in Miami. Themed “One Bullet Kills the Party,” the event served as a call for an end to gun violence and celebratory shootings during holiday parties.

“We have to reign in the senseless gun violence that is gripping our communities,” Rep. Wilson said. “There are too many guns in the hands of the wrong people. There is no reason for anyone who is prohibited from boarding a plane to be able to buy an arsenal of weapons. Congress has to act, and act now. My colleagues and I will continue to sit-in until Congress decides to take action to implement screenings for gun purchases no matter where or how the weapons are purchased, and until we end the sale of destructive assault weapons.”

Rep. Wilson reminded the community of other efforts in Congress to curtail the proliferation of guns on American streets. House members have proposed several bills that address the epidemic of gun violence, including H.R. 1076, which would deny firearms and explosives to individuals suspected of being involved in terrorist activities; H.R. 1217, which would expand background check systems; and H.R. 224, which would allow for research on gun violence to better understand the problem.

Gun control has been a hot-button topic in recent weeks since the mass shooting at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida. That shooting and Democrats’ growing frustration over Congress’ unwillingness to take action on much-needed gun control measures led to the recent historic sit-in on the House floor. Rep. Wilson gave a riveting speech during the nearly 26-hour protest and recounted how frequently gun violence occurs in her district, including the shooting of two boys who participate in her 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project who were gunned down while playing basketball at a local park.

The congresswoman also has been working with Parents of Murdered Kids, a local group of parents who have lost children to gun violence, and President Barack Obama’s “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative, which works to create more opportunities for boys and young men of color. Nearly 25 years ago, she founded the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, an in-school drop-out prevention program that services 98 Miami-Dade County public schools (32 elementary, 34 middle/K-8, and 32 senior high). The 5000 Role Models program has more than 8,000 participants, 6,000-plus volunteers, and continues to grow.