Gov. McKee, RI delegation host events Friday to demand action on Gun Violence Awareness Day

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Several events took place Friday where state leaders called for the passage of gun control reform legislation on Gun Violence Awareness Day.

Gov. Dan McKee signed a formal proclamation Friday, where he called for the passage of several state gun control bills.

“Let’s make sure the next thing I sign as Governor is common-sense gun legislation,” said McKee.

Also Friday, Congressman David Cicilline was back in the Ocean State has he was one of he member of the US House Judiciary Committee that advance a federal gun control legislate package Thursday night in the nation’s capital.

“There is no excuse for allowing the continued slaughter of our children, our neighbors, of 111 people who are shot and killed each and every day in America,” said Cicilline. “I promise that I will not stop fighting until we finally get reforms passed into law.”

The package of bills now heading to the US House include raising the age to buy semi-automatic rifles to 21, cracking down on the sale of large capacity magazines, regulate safe firearm storage and several other aspects.

Cicilline was joined by the Non-Violence Institute, Providence Police Chief Col. Hugh Clements and several other advocacy groups.

“Gun violence needs to stop. This Act will provide the missing accountability needed to keep our citizens safe,” said Cedric Huntley, Executive Director, Nonviolence Institute.

The federal gun reform legislation package is expected to pass in the House next week, but is facing an uphill battle in the US Senate.

Thursday, Rhode Island second amendment supporters took to the State House in opposition of the gun control measurers being discussed on Smith Hill.