Dignity:
End Gun Violence

“Gun violence feels too big, too powerful to stop. But it’s not too big for you to take some real, meaningful actions. You control what you decide you can live with, and what you can't. You can choose whether you do something, or do nothing. You are not powerless.”
— Activist Jennifer Rosen Heinz

The Issue

As a teenager, I lost one of my best friends in a senseless act of gun violence. This tragedy shaped my dedication to confronting our nation’s gun violence epidemic head-on. 

Shockingly, the rate of gun violence in the U.S. is 26 times higher than that of other wealthy nations. According to Everytown, “Every day, 120 people in the United States are killed with guns and more than 200 are shot and wounded.” Yet gun violence is not only a question of public safety but also intrinsically tied to the larger challenges of racial equity and justice in our nation. Communities of color disproportionately bear the brunt of this epidemic, highlighting the deep-rooted disparities that exist in our society. 

While the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was a historic step to mitigate gun violence and unsafe possession, it is far too insufficient given the scope of the challenges we face. From our inner cities to elementary schools, Americans fear for their lives at the fate of firearms. We must protect our children and take serious action to limit gun violence across this country. If we lead with urgency and resolve, we can shape a future for our nation where the specter of gun violence is no more.

What I’ve Done So Far

Gun violence has touched my life personally, and I am committed to combating it in all its forms. I proudly voted for laws that keep guns out of public assemblies and made our county the first in Maryland to outlaw ghost guns. Because prevention isn't just about restricting weapons but also addressing crises, I supported the expansion of Montgomery County's mobile crisis response system. We can achieve a safer, more equitable community free from the fear of gun violence.

What I Will Do in the Senate

  • Much like driving a car, gun ownership comes with profound responsibilities. To keep our children and our communities safe, we must enact common-sense prevention measures. I will fight to ban high-capacity assault rifles, institute universal background checks, and raise the firearm ownership age to 21.

  • The scars of systemic racism manifest in various forms, and the disproportionate impact of gun violence on communities of color cannot be overlooked. Recognizing gun violence as a racial justice issue is about acknowledging these disparities and committing to a future where every life, regardless of race or background, is equally valued and protected.

  • I support legislation that will increase funding for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to effectively address gun trafficking and the growing concern of ghost guns. Adequate resources would empower the ATF to conduct thorough investigations, track illegal firearms distribution networks, and dismantle operations contributing to the proliferation of untraceable weapons. By bolstering the ATF's capabilities, we can better safeguard communities, curb the illegal flow of firearms, and mitigate potential threats to public safety.