Second Event in Goldman’s ‘NY-10 Alliance Against Gun Violence’ Series for National Gun Violence Survivors Week
Goldman, Reynoso Bring Local Elected Officials to Hear Stories From New York Survivors, Discuss Legislation and Action They Want to See from their Elected Representatives
Congressman Goldman is Vice Chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and Chair of the Dads Caucus Gun Violence Prevention Working Group
Brooklyn, NY – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso today convened a roundtable discussion for New York survivors of gun violence to bring their stories and their advocacy directly to the people elected to represent them.
The roundtable with survivors was the second of three events Congressman Goldman is hosting for his ‘NY-10 Alliance Against Gun Violence’ Event Series during National Gun Violence Survivors Week.
During the event – attended by New York City Councilmembers Alexa Avilés and Crystal Hudson and moderated by Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Kim Council – gun violence survivors from across New York shared their stories with Congressman Goldman, Borough President Reynoso, and local elected officials.
The survivors focused on the human impact of gun violence and the solutions they would like to see implemented at the local and federal level. Highlighting their personal experiences, many of the survivors pushed for greater investment in community resources and intervention programs. Congressman Goldman also shared resources available to survivors and families and highlighted the work of local organizations leading the fight against gun violence.
“The incredibly touching stories of New York’s gun violence survivors motivates me every single day to fight the gun violence epidemic that is plaguing our communities,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “I applaud every one of these survivors who joined us today for their bravery and their willingness to use their voice to impact change. I hope that everyone takes a moment to listen to their experiences during this National Gun Violence Survivors Week. As the community of gun violence survivors grows larger by the day, I will never stop fighting to uplift these voices and reverse this unconscionable trend.”
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso said, “Centering survivors and their stories is key to understanding the impact of gun violence on everyday people and their loved ones. In this first month of 2024 alone, gun violence has already shaken several communities across Brooklyn. This Gun Violence Survivors Week, as national organizations across the country uplift survivors’ stories, it is important that we follow their lead in our own communities. I am grateful to all who made today’s roundtable possible — Congressman Dan Goldman, Everytown for Gun Safety/Moms Demand Action, New Yorkers Against Gun Violence, and most importantly, the New Yorkers who shared their stories about the impacts of gun violence with us. It is my hope that events like this will push lawmakers to strengthen gun safety laws and protect people from gun violence in the streets of Brooklyn and across the entire country.”
Yesterday, Congressman Goldman hosted a Gun Violence Prevention Virtual ‘Fireside Chat’ with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and Rebecca Fischer, Executive Director of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence. The three answered questions from NY-10 constituents and discussed the policy and legal work being done at both the city and federal level to combat the scourge of gun violence.
The effects of gun violence extend far beyond when the last bullet is shot – survivors oftentimes suffer from long-term physical and mental health issues. Their healthcare costs average around $35,000, and victims of gun violence face long-term disabilities, including paralysis, limited mobility, and psychiatric disorders.
Researchers have observed a 70% increase in mental health diagnoses following a gun violence injury, most notably Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder. Survivors suffer a 90% increase in substance abuse disorders, and parents of survivors experience a 30% increase in substance abuse. The Journal of Criminal Justice urges improved trauma informed services and connection to mental health care to help victims of gun violence.
Congressman Goldman is committed to not only preventing deaths and injuries from gun violence but also providing additional support to those who have been caught in the crossfire of this epidemic.
Earlier this week, Congressman Goldman cosponsored the ‘Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act,’ which would aid survivors of gun violence in navigating the difficult-to-find resources and connect them with victim assistance professionals.
In April 2023, Congressman Goldman joined Congressman Maxwell Frost (FL-10) to call for the creation of a federal Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Following their call, the Biden Administration established the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. This new office, overseen by Vice President Kamala Harris, focuses on implementing executive and legislative action, including the historic Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.
In November, Congressman Goldman cosponsored the ‘Responsible Firearms Marketing Act,’ which would direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to study the dangers of deceptive advertising practices utilized by the gun industry.
Congressman Goldman is a Vice Chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and is Chair of the Dads Caucus Gun Violence Prevention Working Group.