Neighbors, gun violence prevention organizations hold Highland Park town hall

HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. — Neighbors and gun violence prevention organizations are trying to keep the momentum going to pass meaningful reforms in the state and nationally following the Highland Park parade shooting.

“What can I do to make sure this never happens in another town in America?” said organizer Elizabeth Minnella, who hosted a Highland Park town hall Wednesday night.

Residents convened leaders from gun violence prevention organizations to figure out how to turn their pain into action.

Former Congresswoman Gabby Gifford’s organization and Moms Demand Action and the Gun Violence Prevention Action Committee reached out to new advocates for stricter gun laws.

The CEO of Illinois’ Gun Violence Prevention Action Committee, Kathleen Sances, said there are a lot of new advocates who’ve rallied for stricter gun laws since the parade shooting who may not know how to get involved.

“I would say a year ago it would not have been politically viable for us to be talking that we could consider passing a ban on assault weapons or a ban on high-capacity ammunition magazines in the state,” she said.

Since the shooting, Sances said the groundswell of activism is “moving the needle.” She encourages those who want to ban semi-automatic rifles and high-capacity magazines to call state representatives and senators.

“We want to keep this at the top of the conversation, at the top of everybody’s mind in Illinois that we demand action from our elected leaders now,” Sances said.

The town hall began at 7:30 p.m. and was streamed online.