Everytown, Colorado Moms Demand Action, Gun Violence Survivors Criticize Senate Committee for Vote That Would Allow People to Carry Hidden, Loaded Handguns in Public Without a Permit

DENVER –The Colorado chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and the Everytown Survivor Network, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety, released the below statements criticizing state lawmakers today for voting in favor of Senate Bill 116, a bill that would allow people to carry hidden, loaded handguns in public without a permit or any handgun safety training. Volunteers with the Colorado chapter of Moms Demand Action joined with other gun violence prevention advocates to testify at the hearing today against this reckless bill that undermines Colorado’s public safety. The bill passed out of the Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee and now moves to the full Senate.

STATEMENT FROM ANNETTE MOORE, VOLUNTEER WITH THE COLORADO CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“As a wife and mother of two young children, I am deeply concerned about keeping my family safe from gun violence. Allowing individuals – including dangerous people – to carry hidden, loaded handguns in public without a permit or safety training would abandon the core public safety standards that protect us. The Senate committee today chose to side with the gun lobby over public safety and we urge the full Senate to oppose this reckless proposal.”

STATEMENT FROM DAVE HOOVER, LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER WHOSE NEPHEW, AJ BOIK, WAS KILLED IN THE AURORA MOVIE THEATER SHOOTING AND MEMBER OF THE EVERYTOWN SURVIVOR NETWORK:

“As a Republican, hunter, gun owner and law enforcement officer for more than 30 years, I cannot understand why our lawmakers would support allowing anyone to carry a firearm without any training. That is a recipe for disaster. As someone who has had a loved one taken by gun violence, I know personally the importance of finding reasonable and responsible solutions to keeping our communities safe from gun violence. However, dismantling our permitting system to allow concealed carry would be a step in the wrong direction. I ask our elected leaders in the Senate to vote against this dangerous legislation when it comes to the floor.”