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On January 21, 2023, the Monterey Park community was devastated by a mass shooting that claimed the lives of 14 innocent people and injured many more. This tragedy sparked a conversation in the community about the need for action to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
In response to this tragedy, the Monterey Park City Council took a bold step in endorsing several state and federal bills to reduce gun violence. The City Council passed Resolution 2023-R15 on March 1, 2023, which outlined the legislation they support and urged elected leaders to take action to prevent future tragedies.
One of the bills supported by the Monterey Park City Council is the federal Background Check Expansion Act, which would require background checks for all gun sales, including those sold at gun shows and online. The bill has been introduced multiple times in Congress but has yet to be passed.
The council also endorsed the state bill AB 1234, which would require a 10-day waiting period for firearm purchases, as well as AB 2345, which would allow family members or law enforcement to petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others. These bills aim to prevent impulsive gun purchases and reduce access to firearms for those who pose a danger to themselves or others.
In addition to endorsing these bills, the Monterey Park City Council called on Congress and the California Legislature to take all necessary steps to reduce the likelihood of another mass shooting. This includes supporting research into gun violence prevention and providing funding for mental health programs.
The City Council's resolution sends a strong message to lawmakers that the Monterey Park community is taking action to prevent gun violence and protect its citizens. The Council hopes that by endorsing these bills and urging lawmakers to take action, other communities will follow suit and work towards preventing future tragedies.
The City Council's actions have been met with praise from the community, including gun violence prevention groups and local activists. Many believe that the endorsement of these bills is a critical step towards reducing gun violence and creating safer communities.
Overall, the Monterey Park City Council's support of state and federal gun legislation represents a bold step towards reducing gun violence and creating a safer community. It is a reminder that progress is possible despite the challenges of addressing this complex issue when communities come together and take action.
