Mothers Urge Lawmakers to Address Gun Violence

Video by Caroline Woodall, Capital News Service

With Governor O'Malley's gun control package still awaiting a vote in the Maryland House Judiciary Committee, a group of mothers and their children hit the halls of the Maryland State House on Tuesday to urge delegates to approve what they call "common-sense" solutions to the growing problem of gun violence.

"In a country where eight children are shot and killed every day, it is imperative that  representatives hear directly and frequently from American mothers," Shannon Watts—founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America—said in a Moms Demand Action statement.

"As moms, we will remain focused on the safety of our children rather than be influenced or even intimidated by powerful gun industry lobby groups. We will not wait for one more horrific mass shooting of our children for legislators to wake up and finally pass needed laws that we know will make a difference."

According to a news release, "[specifically], Moms Demand Action Maryland has endorsed in testimony and is asking moms to appeal to House Delegates to act on common-sense solutions to address the escalating problem of gun violence in the United States:
 1.) Ban assault weapons and ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 rounds.

 2.) Require background checks and fingerprint registration and licensing for all gun purchases and background checks for ammunition purchases. 

3.) Report the sale of large quantities of ammunition to the ATF, and ban online sales of ammunition."