(Harrisburg, Pa.) — CeaseFirePA held its annual End Gun Violence Advocacy Day in the Pennsylvania State Capitol, bringing together survivors, faith leaders, doctors, nurses, parents and activists from every corner of the commonwealth to demand action on gun violence prevention.
Hundreds gathered on the front steps of the Main Capitol building to make the case that this state deserves a future free from firearm violence.
“We are the majority,” declared Adam Garber, Executive Director of CeaseFirePA. “We all have different backgrounds, different experiences, and different lives but we are united by this common goal – a future for this state where no family is ripped apart by preventable gun violence. Everyone deserves to be free from gun violence, to feel and be safe. Last session, Emergency Risk Protection Orders, universal background checks, and ghost gun bans passed the Pennsylvania House with bipartisan support. Now we must do it again–and this time put them on Gov. Shapiro’s desk so he can sign them.”
“When we raise our voices in unison and push toward a shared objective, we are a powerful force. And today, we are gathered here to say enough is enough – that thoughtless gun violence has taken too many lives, devastated too many families, and shattered too many communities,” said PA House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia). “We all have a role to play in making Pennsylvania safer, and our communities are depending on all of us to do our part to prevent gun violence.”
“As an emergency physician, I have treated every type of gun victim one can imagine … and ones you don’t want to imagine,” said State Rep. Arvind Venkat (D-Allegheny). “I am proud as a physician-legislator to stand with Ceasefire PA and advocates from across the Commonwealth to call for common-sense gun safety legislation now.”
In the last two years, gun homicides are down 38 percent statewide according to a report from CeaseFirePA. Philadelphia saw a 52% drop; York went 100 days without a shooting; Allentown had the lowest homicide rate in nearly 30 years. Violence interrupters from across the Commonwealth noted how state investments fueled their life-saving efforts. Advocates warned that progress could reverse without continued funding and that gun safety policies were necessary to ensure everyone lives free from gun violence.
“The With One Voice Interfaith Coalition to End Gun Violence is a group of Muslim, Christian and Jewish lay and ordained leaders in our Commonwealth who believe that working together is the key to effecting change,” said Bishop Audrey Scanlan, Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania. “Together we believe in the sanctity of life, of our responsibility to care for one another and our call to work for a world where we can all live in safety. With the support of Ceasefire PA’s advocacy efforts, and our common faith, we work with hope for a better day.”
“As a trauma-focused organization, we recognize gun violence as a preventable public health issue that places an enormous burden on our healthcare systems and communities,” said Krista Brands, CEO of the American Trauma Society, Pennsylvania Division (ATSPA). “Our work in injury and violence prevention uniquely positions us to advocate for practical, evidence-based policies that save lives. Joining CeaseFirePA for Advocacy Day reinforces our commitment to reducing violence before it happens and supporting a healthier, safer future for all Pennsylvanians.”
“Nuns Against Gun Violence, a coalition of Catholic Sisters and their allies, affirms the value of human life through prayer, education, and advocacy for common sense, evidenced-based, gun violence prevention,” said Betty McVeigh, a nun with Nuns Against Gun Violence (NAGV). “The Pennsylvania members of NAGV are honored to take an active role today as we advocate for gun violence prevention laws and resources for community intervention. Our missions are mutually supportive and together – we pray – our voices will be heard by the State legislators.”
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CeaseFire PA envisions life without gun violence that allows people from every community across the commonwealth to thrive — where communities feel safe, because they are safe.
