Payne, Democratic Colleagues Urge DOJ to Address Gun Violence in Communities of Color

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) and 40 of his Democratic colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter requesting that the U.S. Department of Justice take action to address the nation’s epidemic of gun violence, which disproportionately affects communities of color. 

In the letter, the members encouraged the Administration to examine policies to reduce gun violence that do not require legislative action, and urged the U.S. Department of Justice to consider stronger enforcement efforts.

“We write regarding an issue of tremendous importance to the communities of color we represent—gun violence. As you know, the Republican leadership in Congress continues to block consideration of common sense legislation that could meaningfully address the devastating impact of gun crime in America. However, despite this dangerous obstructionism, we believe more can and must be done to reduce the overwhelming number of injuries and deaths caused by guns. We therefore respectfully request a meeting with you to discuss alternative approaches to this grave national challenge,” the members wrote.

“We also believe the Administration, working with its state and local partners, should examine new policies to reduce gun violence that can be implemented without the need for legislative action. Specifically, we strongly encourage your Department to consider stronger enforcement efforts directed at the relatively small number of dishonest dealers who sell the vast majority of firearms used in crimes,” the members added.

A PDF version of the letter can be found here.

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