Study gun violence

I wish to thank 14th District U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood for championing legislation for the study of gun violence. This legislation to commit funds to study firearm injury and mortality prevention research, is a significant start to reducing this epidemic in our country. It truly is a health crisis and must be addressed regardless of second amendment rights.

My family has experienced a death by a gun, committed by a familiar person with mental health issues. Many firearm deaths are within the family or by close friends. Many more offenders take innocent bystanders as their victims. Accidental deaths and suicides could be significantly reduced, once Congress can agree on ways to reduce the accessibility of guns.

And of course, the mass shootings Underwood mentioned in her statement could be substantially decreased. This study will give Congress the tools and information needed to take additional steps to keep guns from the hands of the mentally ill and those with a history of domestic violence, without infringing upon the rights of law-abiding gun owners.

Deborah Griffin

St. Charles