Connecticut Lawmaker Participates in White House Forum on Gun Violence Prevention

A Wednesday White House gathering of top policymakers in the world of gun violence prevention strategies included a Connecticut lawmaker — Sen. Herron Keyon Gaston, co-chair of the legislature’s Public Safety Committee.

Gaston, D-Bridgeport, was among senior federal officials and representatives of more than 30 states, who attended the White House Safer States Legislative Convening on Gun Violence Prevention, where participants met to compare notes on effective violence prevention policies.

After the event, Gaston said many participants viewed Connecticut’s gun safety laws as models for other states to follow.

“This event was an excellent opportunity to promote Connecticut’s groundbreaking gun safety policies,” Gaston said.

Leading participants in the forum included Tom Perez, senior advisor and assistant to the president and director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, and U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Illinois.

Gaston said attendees were particularly interested in Connecticut’s red flag law, gun storage safety laws, and its investment in community nonprofit organizations working to prevent gun violence at a grassroots level.

He emphasized the importance of community partners, organizations that are directly addressing the problem on the ground, and the state’s proactive stance in investing in these essential programs.

“I was proud to be among a select group of leading policymakers, engaging with top officials from across the country,” Gaston said. “This experience reinforced our state’s leadership on violence prevention and provided new ideas to benefit Bridgeport and Stratford in our ongoing efforts to reduce gun violence.”

Based on ideas discussed during the event, Gaston said he hoped to explore securing Department of Justice grants to hire retired law enforcement officers to investigate cold cases. This initiative aims to bring closure to unresolved cases and further enhance community safety.

Posted by Hugh McQuaid