Democrats Rally for Gun Violence Prevention in Convention’s Final Showdown

CHICAGO — The closing night of the Democratic National Convention featured a powerful assembly of lawmakers dedicated to gun safety and the impacts of gun violence in their communities.

U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath of Georgia, whose advocacy stems from personal tragedy, underscored this message. “Our losses do not weaken us — they strengthen our resolve,” she asserted to the delegates.

McBath’s commitment to gun safety began after the murder of her 17-year-old son, Jordan Davis, in a Florida gas station in 2012. He was killed over a dispute involving loud music, a racial dynamic that has fueled McBath’s activism since.

Her speech set the stage for Vice President Kamala Harris’s keynote address, which aimed to invigorate the Democratic base ahead of the upcoming election. Harris is not just focused on rallying support; she is also actively advocating for the election of the first female president come November.

As gun violence persists as a primary concern for the public, Harris brings unique credibility. Her role as head of the new White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention positions her at the forefront of this pressing issue.

Alongside her, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, an avid hunter, promotes a ban on assault weapons, reflecting a nuanced approach to gun policy within the party.

Harris can also point to significant legislative achievements, notably the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. This landmark legislation represents the most comprehensive gun safety measures in decades, promising millions for state-level red flag laws and substantial investments in mental health services for youth.

McBath has championed red flag laws, enabling federal courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a threat to themselves or others. Her efforts helped push this vital legislation through the House during a Democratic majority.

This advocacy gained momentum after tragic mass shootings in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas. These incidents highlighted the urgent need for reform, as a white supremacist committed mass murder in a grocery store, killing ten, while a school shooting claimed the lives of 19 children and two teachers.

The Gun Violence Archive recorded 353 mass shootings in the U.S. this year alone, signaling a significant public safety crisis.

On the DNC stage, McBath shared the spotlight with Kimberly Mata-Rubio, who lost her 10-year-old daughter in the Uvalde shooting, and Abbey Clements, a former Sandy Hook teacher. “They should still be here,” Clements lamented, reflecting on her lost students.

Former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords, who survived an assassination attempt, drew a standing ovation from the audience. Now leading the Giffords Law Center, she recounted how her upbringing in Arizona instilled resilience. “I fell for an astronaut,” she said, referencing her husband, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, before gesturing affectionately to him.

Giffords expressed her confidence in Harris’s tenacity, emphasizing her commitment to countering gun lobbyists and advocating for reform. “She is tough,” Giffords declared, embodying the grit necessary for this ongoing battle against gun violence.