Advocates challenge, honor work for new gun laws
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Advocates of the new gun laws say they are a step in the right direction. Today, they went to the capitol to make sure their voices were heard.
At the same time, others are calling the laws “a knee-jerk reaction” not the solution.
“I’m a Spartan Alum. I’ve had classes at Berkey,” said Denzel McCampbell, Managing Director of Progress Michigan So, It’s personal for myself and a lot of people on staff.”
After years of work, new Michigan gun laws are being enforced today. That includes things like universal background checks, safe storage laws, and the red flag laws.
McCampbell says it’s important for the root causes of gun violence to be addressed too.
“Making sure that folks in the community are connected, whether that is access to health care, making sure that folks’ mental health is taken care of, or also education programs so that folks have what they need in their communities to reduce harm,” McCampbell said. “That’s the action that we want to see taken.”
Tonya Medlock with Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation says one of the root causes of gun violence is trauma, which is often ignored.
“Even though we have things going on in our neighborhoods it’s still on a level that’s getting out of control,” Medlock said.
Other community advocates, like Michael Lynn Jr., say the new laws are knee-jerk solutions.
“We have not seen stats that gun laws have changed any violent crime whatsoever,” Lynn said.
He says we need to invest in more mental health resources.
“So, then you in turn see things like the Michigan State shooting,” Lynn said. “This was a man that was mentally ill. We have to stop criminals from shooting people, not stop law-abiding citizens from leaving their guns under their seats.”
On the other hand, McCampbell says he’s proud of the work he and his group accomplished.
“This action is needed,” McCampbell said. “And we’ll get to a place where everyone feels safe.”
If you’d like to read more about those new gun laws that go into effect today, click here.
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