Candlelight Vigil for Gun Violence Victims
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Candlelight Vigil for Gun Violence Victims

Friday, April 19, 2013

A candlelight vigil for the victims of gun violence and to demand action from Congress on gun violence prevention legislation was held Saturday, April 13, in Market Square. The candlelight vigil was sponsored by Organizing for Action and Alexandria’s Concerned Citizens against Gun Violence. Other local organizations supporting the event included the Million Mom March of Northern Virginia, and Moms Demand Action and MOURN — Mothers United for Reform Now.

Speakers included: U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8), state Sen. Rob Krupicka (D-45), Delegates, Scott Surovell (D-44) and Alfonso Lopez (D-49), Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille, Alexandria Vice Mayor Allison Silberberg, former Mayor Kerry Donley, human rights advocate William Killibrew, director of the 13-City Gang Prevention Network John Calhoun, Laura Fisher and Laurie Chidlow of Mothers United for Reform Now (MOURN), President of the Virginia Chapter of the Million Mom March Martina Leinz, Peter Read, father of Mary Read who was one of the victims of the Virginia Tech Massacre, and the Rev. Jonathan Butler and the Rev. Gregory Johnson of Alfred St. Baptist Church.

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Photo by Louise Krafft

At Vigil Del. Scott Surovell (D-44) addresses those gathered in Alexandria’s Market Square for “We Have Not Forgotten and We Demand Action Candlelight Vigil” on Saturday evening, April 13. The candlelight vigil was sponsored by Organizing for Action and Alexandria’s Concerned Citizens against Gun Violence. Other local organizations supporting the event included the Million Mom March of Northern Virginia, and Moms Demand Action and MOURN — Mothers United for Reform Now. Other speakers included: U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8), state Sen. Rob Krupicka (D-45), Del. Alfonso Lopez (D-49), Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille, Alexandria Vice Mayor Allison Silberberg, former Alexandria Mayor Kerry Donley, human rights advocate William Killibrew, director of the 13-City Gang Prevention Network John Calhoun, Laura Fisher and Laurie Chidlow of Mothers United for Reform Now (MOURN), President of the Virginia Chapter of the Million Mom March Martina Leinz, Peter Read, father of Mary Read who was one of the victims of the Virginia Tech Massacre and the Rev. Jonathan Butler and the Rev. Gregory Johnson of Alfred St. Baptist Church.

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Photo by Louise Krafft

International advocate for civil, human, women, children and victims rights William Killibrew speaks of his own experience as a child experiencing gun violence that left his mother and siblings dead in their home.

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Photo by Louise Krafft

Residents and supporters of sensible gun laws gather in Market Square for a candlelight vigil for the victims of gun violence and to demand action from Congress on gun violence prevention legislation.

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Photo by Louise Krafft

During his remarks, William Killibrew asks all present to add the number of the congressional switchboard to their cell phones in order to call their congressional representatives and senators and express their support on gun violence prevention legislation.

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Photo by Louise Krafft

U.S. Rep. Jim Moran explains the difficulty facing Congress in passing any meaningful gun violence prevention legislation.

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Photo by Louise Krafft

Former Mayor Kerry Donley speaks of his friend and neighbor Alexandria Police Officer Peter Laboy who is still recovering from gunshot wounds.

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Photo by Louise Krafft

President of the Virginia Chapter of the Million Mom March Martina Leinz — surrounded by Million Mom March supporters — recalls the killings by 16-year-old Brenda Ann Spencer. On Jan. 29, 1979 Spencer took out a rifle given to her as a Christmas present and from her home shot at a San Diego elementary school killing the principal, the building engineer and injuring eight students. Spencer later said she shot at the school because, “I don’t like Mondays.” Leinz pleaded for citizens to get involved and pressure their representatives to vote for meaningful gun violence prevention legislation.

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