Crime Subcommittee Ranking Member McBath Hosts Spotlight Hearing on Gun Violence Prevention

Washington, DC – Today, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Crime Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA-06) hosted a Spotlight Hearing on Gun Violence Prevention titled “Resilience & Innovation: How Communities Are Leveraging Democratic Investments to Combat Gun Violence.” The hearing, held on National Gun Violence Awareness Day, examined how state and local leaders have successfully reduced gun violence using evidence‑based strategies supported by Democratic-led investments, including the American Rescue Plan Act and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Ranking Member McBath’s opening testimony is available here . Participating in the hearing were Representatives Becca Balint (D-VT-At Large), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-05), Bobby Scott (D-VA-03), and Lou Correa (D-CA-46). “Today, on National Gun Violence Awareness Day, we honor the lives stolen by gun violence, including my son, Jordan.” said Rep. McBath . “As a mother who has lived through this pain, I know the immeasurable weight carried by families and survivors across this country. But I also know what is possible when I refuse to give up. During the pandemic, gun violence surged and communities were stretched thin. Yet leaders, advocates, and service providers stepped forward with determination and innovation. For four consecutive years, fewer Americans have been killed by gun violence. This progress is real and it is happening because communities have been empowered to prevent violence before it occurs. Congress must recommit to comprehensive, community‑driven crime prevention so that every family can live in a safe neighborhood and every child can grow up free from fear.” The Subcommittee heard testimony from leaders on the front lines of gun violence prevention, including: Chief Stephen Jenkins , Chief of Police, Portsmouth Police Department Greg Hopkins , Director of Justice Services, City of Richmond Shontel Brunson-Wright , Executive Director, Atlanta Victim Assistance, Inc. Dr. Kyle Fisher , Policy Director, The Health Alliance for Violence Intervention Kaaleah Jones , Deputy Director, Abu Unity Foundation Witnesses detailed how federal support and flexible funding for public safety, community violence intervention, and victim services have enabled cities to implement programs that have contributed to a historic nationwide decline in violent crime. Many communities have recorded their lowest homicide rates in decades, driven by investments in law enforcement, community organizations, mental health services, youth programming, and trauma-informed interventions.