A shooting at the end of October once again left the city of Indianapolis reeling from another act of senseless violence, this time at a Halloween party where a 16-year-old girl tragically lost her life. In total, 10 people between the ages of 16 and 21 years old were injured at the party, and the more than 100 people who were present are forever affected. The entire community at large is also profoundly impacted by this tragic incident.
It is disheartening that even during moments of celebration, gun violence continues to rear its ugly head. The incident this past weekend serves as a reminder of the pressing need for common-sense gun safety policies that can address the ongoing gun violence crisis and potentially prevent future tragedies.
Joining together, the organizations and individuals below call on lawmakers at all levels of government to take immediate and meaningful lifesaving action to prevent gun violence by:
– removing the state’s preemption of local gun laws, to allow cities and counties to create stricter regulations
– repealing the state’s recently enacted permitless carry law
– requiring background checks for gun sales at gun shows, on the internet, or between private individuals
– increasing the minimum age to purchase & possess firearms
– enacting child access prevention and safe storage laws.
Furthermore, we strongly urge lawmakers to prioritize and invest in policies and programs that support communities, including expanding mental health care and youth-serving programs—employment programs, mentoring programs, and after-school programs focused on building self-control, social skills, and decision-making.
It is our hope that in the wake of these ongoing recent events, our leaders and communities can come together to work towards a safer, more secure future for all residents of Indiana.
The following organizations have signed on to support this message:
Asante Art Institute
Baptist Minister’s Foresight Alliance of Greater Indianapolis Inc.
Bloom Project, Inc.
Boys and Girls Clubs of Indianapolis
Brightwood Community Center Inc.
Centers of Wellness for Urban Women
Christian Theological Seminary
Congregations United to Reduce Violence (CURV)
Craig Leadership Services LLC
Crown Community Development Corp
Desmond Tutu Peace Lab, Butler University
DJ Center for Youth, Inc
Domestic Violence Network (DVN)
Eagledale Neighborhood Association
Eclectic SoulVoices Corporation
Fathers and Families Center
First Congregational United Church of Christ of Indianapolis
Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis
Greater Indianapolis Multifaith Alliance (GIMA)
Groundwork Indy
Hoosiers Concerned About Gun Violence
Hosies Closet
Ignite Wellbeing, LLC
Indiana Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs
Indiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Indianapolis Peace and Justice Center
Indianapolis Urban League
Inner Beauty Program, Inc.
Inter-congregational Social Action Group
Irvington Counseling Company
Jack Shockley Warriors for Peace
John Boner Neighborhood Centers
League of Women Voters of Indianapolis
Let Them Talk
Marion County Youth Violence Prevention Coalition
MCCOY Inc.–Marin County Commission On Youth, Inc.
Mental Health America of Indianapolis
Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
Moonflower Marketing
Mothers Against Violence Healing Ministry
Naptown All Pro Wrestling
New Vision Missionary Baptist Church
Peace Learning Center
Purpose 4 My Pain
Raymond K. Jones Foundation
SCP Consultants, LLC (Schools Communities Partnerships)
See 1 Change, LLC
St. John AME Church- Lay Organization
Starfish Initiative
STARS for Children, Prevent Child Abuse Council of Marion County
Students Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
TeenWorks
The Garden Church
Tru Colors Consulting
Umeed-Hope
United Methodist Churches of Indiana
Use What You’ve Got Ministry Keeping Families Connected
