ATLANTA (WSAV) — A report from everystat.org shows that more than 1,600 people die each year from gun violence and more than 4,000 are injured by guns, with the Peach State having the 9th highest rate of gun violence weapons in the country.
“Guns are the number one killer of our children in Georgia. I don’t have all the numbers. We have a responsibility to do this,” said state representative Becky Evans (D-Dekalb County), “I hope we can work together in a bipartisan way to implement safer gun laws.”
That’s why some lawmakers want a new bill passed that would require a lock for gun owners to prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands or causing accidental shootings.
“It’s a problem because kids are finding guns and killing themselves or other family members,” said Rep. Evans.
But Republican lawmakers say the solution lies not in banning guns, but in funding mental health and fighting child-protection gang recruitment — a real concern in Georgia.
State Rep. Mark Newton (R-Augusta) said, “You don’t have safety for your family and public safety, and you don’t feel like your children are safe, your mother or your family members, then you don’t have what you’re doing. , to enjoy life and make Georgia what it should be.”
“Our suicide rate is very high. The facts show that you are more likely to commit an act if you have access to a weapon,” said Rep. Evans.
Democratic lawmakers say a series of bills would toughen penalties for not having a gun in a safe with a minor at home.