Mayor joins push for gun laws in D.C.

Elyria Mayor Frank Whitfield, an advocate for gun safety and the prevention of gun violence, is taking to Capitol Hill this week to meet with members of Congress as part of the Everytown Survivor Network Survivor Fellowship program, according to a news release.

Whitfield will join fellow survivors of gun violence to advocate for meaningful change and the passage of common-sense gun laws by Congress, the release said.

Whitfield is part of Mayors Against Illegal Guns, a national nonpartisan coalition of more than 2,000 current and former mayors committed to ending gun violence across America, the release said.

On May 13, he joined Moms Demand Action in Oberlin as a part of a national day of action advocating for common-sense gun laws, according to the release.

Whitfield also recently earned the endorsement of Everytown for Gun Safety, the release said.

During the visit to Washington, Whitfield will have the opportunity to share his personal story of loss as well as his experience as mayor in dealing with gun violence, the release said.

The primary focus of his trip is around advocacy efforts urging representatives to support and pass common-sense gun laws, according to the release.

“I am honored to join the Everytown Survivor Network and survivors of gun violence from across the country this week to advocate in Washington, D.C.,” Whitfield said in the release. “As someone who has lost multiple family members and friends to gun violence, and now as mayor losing residents to gun violence, I am committed to fighting for the safety and well-being of our community. “It is crucial that we take proactive measures to prevent gun violence and protect our loved ones.”

Whitfield will meet with representatives to share firsthand experiences, highlight the importance of passing effective gun safety legislation and emphasize the need for comprehensive measures to address gun violence at both the local and national levels, according to the release.

SUBMITTED Frank Whitfield