A group of lawmakers from the democratic state of Georgia is calling for a special session of the state general assembly to deal with “firearms-related public safety” following two mass shootings in the state.
In a letter to Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) on Monday, the group mentioned two recent shootings in midtown Atlanta and Moultrie, Georgia, writing, “These shootings are clear evidence that Georgia gun laws are inadequate to protect our citizens. ”
“For many years, the Georgia General Assembly has passed legislation making it easier for dangerous individuals and individuals with mental health issues to acquire and possess firearms,” the lawmakers wrote in their letter.
“This law was signed by you and your predecessors. At the same time, our communities are being forced to endure mass casualty events that have become more frequent and deadly because of these laws.”
The letter was signed by State Senator Nabilah Islam (D) and State MPs Pedro Marin (D), Gregg Kennard (D) and Ruwa Romman (D).
“This is a public safety crisis and it is our duty as elected officials to address public safety. We understand that there are disagreements among the elected members of the General Assembly of Georgia on how to address this crisis, but we believe this crisis can no longer be ignored,” the letter reads.
Lawmakers concluded by calling on Kemp to “immediately and without delay convene a special session … to specifically address public safety related to firearms.”
The letter comes a week after a suspect opened fire at an Atlanta-area doctor’s office, killing a woman and injuring four others. Authorities arrested 24-year-old Deion Patterson and charged him with one count of murder and four counts of aggravated assault.
Another shooting occurred later that week in Moultrie, Georgia, when a man at the McDonald’s restaurant where he worked opened fire, killing his manager before taking his own life. Authorities said Kentavious White, 26, also shot his mother and grandmother at their homes.
The story goes on
Kemp was a staunch opponent of gun control during his more than four-year tenure. Before last year’s Republican primary, he signed legislation allowing the carrying of firearms in Georgia without a permit.
Kemp said at the time the law “ensures that law-abiding Georgians, including our daughters, as well as your family, can protect themselves without having to seek permission from your state government.”
However, the Democrats of the time accused the governor of putting politics ahead of Georgian security.
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