Article Summary –
Vice President Kamala Harris has a long history of focusing on reducing gun violence, having served as the District Attorney of San Francisco, Attorney General of California, and a US Senator, with notable success in reducing the homicide rate in San Francisco during her tenure. North Carolina advocates, such as Greg Jackson of Heal Charlotte and Scarlet Hollingsworth of Everytown for Gun Safety, commend her experience and believe her presidency would continue the Biden administration’s efforts to combat gun violence through initiatives like the Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Harris’ campaign emphasizes implementing universal background checks and banning assault weapons, reflecting her commitment to tackling gun violence on a national scale.
Vice President Kamala Harris pitches her presidential campaign by highlighting her record on gun violence reduction, earning praise from North Carolina leaders.
Harris, former District Attorney of San Francisco, California Attorney General, and US Senator, prioritized tackling gun violence and violent crime throughout her career. In Charlotte, where homicides rose by 40% in 2023, her experience is especially relevant.
Despite a national 15% drop in violent crime, Charlotte’s homicide rate remains high, according to an FBI report.
“We need to keep our communities safe, and having someone experienced at all levels is essential,” said Charles DeLoach, vice chair of the Mecklenburg County Young Democrats.
Gun Violence Prevention and Prosecutor Work
In 2004, Harris’ first year as District Attorney, San Francisco faced a homicide crisis with 11.57 homicides per 100,000 people, far above state and national averages. Harris emphasized the urgency of combating gun violence, especially among young people.
Convictions for gun crimes rose 92% during her tenure. Harris also prioritized prosecuting domestic abusers and opposed releasing gun crime suspects before trial.
By 2011, San Francisco’s homicide rate had fallen nearly 50%, aligning with state and national averages.
As Attorney General, Harris supported California’s red flag law and cleared the DNA testing backlog for unsolved crimes.
Impact on Charlotte
Greg Jackson, Executive Director of Heal Charlotte, emphasized Harris’ impact, having worked with her on a panel focusing on youth affected by gun violence.
“Gun violence is the number one killer of children in America,” Harris stated during her Charlotte visit.
Jackson praised Harris’ innovative ideas, believing she would continue the Biden administration’s efforts through the Office of Gun Violence Prevention. The office was crucial in implementing the Safer Communities Act after the tragic Uvalde school shooting.
The Safer Communities Act provided $700 million for red-flag laws and extended protections to domestic abuse victims.
Scarlet Hollingsworth from Everytown for Gun Safety believes Harris’ leadership on gun safety will benefit her presidency, ensuring continued progress in reducing gun violence.
Jackson echoed the need for Harris’ leadership to maintain the Biden administration’s momentum on gun violence prevention.
Harris has emphasized her commitment to fighting gun violence, calling for universal background checks and an assault weapons ban.
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