THE FOLLOWING RELEASE IS FROM CONGRESSWOMAN ROBIN KELLY’S OFFICE
The report highlights voices of key lawmakers, survivors, advocates, and researchers working to end the public health crisis of gun violence.
WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) released The Kelly Report: A Vision for a Safer America. Congresswoman Robin Kelly pioneered this report as a one-of-a-kind Congressional analysis of the nation’s gun violence epidemic and a blueprint for ending the crisis.
“I came to Washington because I couldn’t stand to watch Congress do nothing while children were ripped away from their families day after day. I published the first Kelly Report in 2014 to address gun violence as the public health crisis it truly is and offer solutions that matched the scale of the epidemic,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly. “Unfortunately, 10 years later, tens of thousands of lives are still lost to gun violence every year. There is still so much work to be done, and the 2024 Kelly Report charts a path forward for meaningful change. I am proud to bring together survivors, advocates, policy makers and research to say in one voice – enough is enough.”
Here’s what Members of Congress, survivors, academics, and gun reform advocates are saying about the report:
“The progress we have made in the gun violence prevention movement would not be possible without the fearless leadership of Rep. Robin Kelly,” said Congressman Mike Thompson. “The Kelly Report speaks to that leadership, laying out a roadmap of the road ahead to help save lives and keep our communities safe. I am honored to have played a small role in the report and I encourage everyone to read through the report and learn about how we can end the gun violence epidemic.”
“Finding common ground on gun violence prevention has been challenging. Effective solutions often require a comprehensive and multifaceted approach that addresses both the availability of firearms and the underlying factors contributing to violence in society. Public engagement, open dialogue, and evidence-based policymaking are crucial components of successful gun violence reform. We must bring these solutions to fruition to break the cycle, reduce crime, and save lives,” said Congressman Horsford.
“The people of Central Florida know firsthand the pain of gun violence in our community, the devastation it brings to countless, and the hopelessness that follows every tragedy,” said Congressman Maxwell Frost. “Gun violence remains an epidemic that claims 100 lives a day and is the leading cause of death for children. Our people deserve nothing less than real solutions to this public health crisis. Thank you to Congresswoman Kelly for her commitment to shedding light on the state of gun violence in America. We will not stop fighting until our communities get to live free of the fear of being gunned down.”
“Brady’s founders, Jim and Sarah Brady, fought tirelessly in the halls of Congress for over six years and seven votes to pass the Brady Bill because they knew they were fighting to save lives. They were right, and the Brady Bill has saved countless lives since its enactment 30 years ago and has blocked nearly 4.9 million unlawful gun sales and transactions. In any public health crisis, understanding the contagion or cause is vital to finding a cure. Gun violence is no different. We must be equipped with knowledge from research and case studies to ensure we break the cycles of violence to heal our nation. Since its first iteration in 2014, the Kelly Report has continued to be a resource for policymakers, legal experts, and cultural change makers seeking to end gun violence. Brady is grateful to be a part of this report, and we know it will bring us a step closer to a safer future for all Americans,” said Kris Brown, Brady President.
“We are so thankful for Representative Kelly for championing this report. It’s an essential tool for understanding the depth of this crisis and the variety of solutions we have to address it,” said Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action. “Our movement will keep supporting gun sense lawmakers like Rep. Kelly as they take action, and we won’t rest until every person, every family, and every child can live without the fear of gun violence.”
“The What’s Your Forté Foundation along with Congresswoman Robin Kelly and organizations, and leaders featured within this report are working toward multidisciplinary actions to end youth gun violence. By the age of 40, nearly half of all Chicagoans will witness a shooting. This trauma cannot become commonplace, and we need to meet this moment with sustainable action. We are proud to lend our voice, calling for a comprehensive overhaul to gun violence policy and immediate implementation of the 2024 Kelly Report recommendations,” said Matt Forté.
“We know stronger gun laws and investments in prevention are working. Last year, firearm homicides fell much faster in states with the strongest gun laws, while states with the weakest gun laws saw marginal improvements to public safety, if any. Center for American Progress is honored to be included in the Kelly Report and to have joined the gun safety champions in Congress yesterday who are committed to building upon the success of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to save lives,” said Nick Wilson, Senior Director of Gun Violence Prevention, Center for American Progress.
“The 2024 Kelly Report is a comprehensive analysis of the gun violence crisis in our nation released a decade after the first-of-its-kind congressional report was shared in 2014. Newtown Action Alliance thanks Congresswoman Robin Kelly for asking us to join survivors and other leaders from the gun violence prevention community to contribute to both reports. We encourage all to read this important report that outlines the progress we have made during the last decade, challenges we still face, and the policy recommendations that would end the gun violence crisis during the next decade,” said Po Murray, Chairwoman of Newtown Action Alliance.
“Gun violence is a complex, multi-faceted public health crisis, and we can only end this crisis if we first study and understand it. The Kelly Report is a comprehensive examination of gun violence. With contributions from Members of Congress, advocacy organization experts, survivors, and so many more, we are able to envision the full scope of this issue, and see that there are so many things we can do to save lives from gun violence in America. We thank Congresswoman Robin Kelly for her public service and continued dedication to not only highlighting issues of gun violence, but championing actionable, life-saving solutions,” said Adzi Vokhiwa, GIFFORDS Federal Affairs Director.
“Community gun violence is an issue that impacts so many across the country yet the stories of those impacted are rarely heard. Let alone highlighted on Capital Hill, but thanks to the continued efforts by Congresswoman Kelly survivors like myself finally have a seat at the table,” said Trevon (Tre) Bosley, Board Co-Chair of March For Our Lives.
“Thank you to Representative Kelly for her leadership in this critical area. The Kelly Report provides a clear blueprint to ending gun violence, outlining the bipartisan supported and community-centered solutions needed to combat this crisis,” said Tarria Stanely, Regional Advocacy Associate at Community Justice. “More leaders, across the local and federal governments, are recognizing the need for a comprehensive public health approach to violence prevention that has been proven to reduce gun violence. Community Justice is encouraged by recent local, state, and federal investments supporting a public health approach to gun violence.”
