Community Leaders Partner to Reduce Gun Violence with Gun Safety Campaign
In 2022 more than 6000 children and teens were injured or killed by firearms in the U.S. Last year, the Houston Police Department recorded a record high 4,401 guns stolen from vehicles. The CDC says guns are now the leading cause of death for children under 18, still, 4.6-million children in the U.S. live in a home with at least one loaded, unlocked gun.
These statistics are shocking and we are calling for action that is long overdue.
WHO:
Houston Police Chief Troy Finner
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez
Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg
ATF SAC Fred Milanowski
Houston Mayor’s Office
Gun Violence Survivor Marentha Sargent
Houston City Council Member Abbie Kamin
Houston FBI
Congregation Beth Israel
Minaret Foundation
Moms Demand Action
Clear Channel Outdoor’s Public Affairs VP Lee Vela
WHAT:
News Conference to announce gun safety campaign which includes billboards
and a website (www.houstongunsafety.org, which will be live starting at 10
a.m. Feb. 16) with numerous resources: statistics, videos, information about
gun locks, safes and gun safety classes.
WHEN:
10 a.m., Thursday, February 16
WHERE:
Congregation Beth Israel, 5600 North Braeswood, Margolis Gallery. Park in
the back parking lot with entrance off Mullins and enter through the Alexander
Entrance.
WHY:
We need to secure guns and keep them out of the hands of criminals and
children. That is our core message, and that’s why Congregation Beth Israel and
the Minaret Foundation are partnering with area law enforcement agencies,
community leaders, and Moms Demand Action on a citywide gun safety
campaign. We are conveying our message with the news conference, website,
and the billboard campaign, donated by Clear Channel Outdoor, which will utilize
both traditional and digital billboards to bring the message of gun safety to all
area residents. Fourteen traditional billboards both on freeways and near
neighborhoods will carry the message in English and Spanish in addition to up to 40 area digital billboards creating millions of market impressions over the
remainder of 2023.
VISUALS:
Speakers at the news conference, including a survivor of gun violence, gun safe and how to use it, and billboard mockups showing campaign website in English and Spanish.
To request a gun lock or a gun safe, please email da@dao.hctx.net
