Secretary Duncan, Attorney General Holder On Youth Violence: Will They Say The 'G' Word?

Oct 7, 2009

Washington, DC –  In the wake of a recent high-profile beating death of a Chicago Public School student, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder are expected in Chicago today to talk about "youth violence."

Paul Helmke, President of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence released the following statement:

"The youth violence problem in Chicago is a gun violence problem.  Illegal guns are being trafficked into Chicago and then used to kill school-age children.  The Obama Administration has done almost nothing to address this so far.  Three years ago, in the wake of the Nickel Mines shooting of five Amish school girls, George W. Bush managed to hold a 'Conference on School Safety' without even saying the word 'gun.'

"During their visit to Chicago, I look forward to Secretary Duncan and Attorney General Holder offering specific solutions about how the Obama Administration will help keep guns away from children, illegal gun traffickers and dangerous people."

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Resources:

• According to the Associated Press: "Before 2006, an average of 10-15 students [in Chicago] were fatally shot each year. That climbed to 24 fatal shootings in the 2006-07 school year, 23 deaths and 211 shootings in the 2007-08 school year and 34 deaths and 290 shootings last school year."

• According to the University of Chicago Crime Lab: "A total of 510 people were murdered in Chicago during 2008. Eighty percent of these victims were killed by gunfire. Nearly half were between the ages of 10 and 25, and the vast majority were male."

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As the nation's largest, non-partisan, grassroots organization leading the fight to prevent gun violence, the Brady Campaign, with its dedicated network of Million Mom March Chapters, works to enact and enforce sensible gun laws, regulations and public policies. The Brady Campaign is devoted to creating an America free from gun violence, where all Americans are safe at home, at school, at work, and in our communities.

For continuing insight and comment on the gun issue, read Paul Helmke's blog at www.bradycampaign.org/blog/. Visit the Brady Campaign website at www.bradycampaign.org.