President Joe Biden will be in Connecticut on Friday and will speak at the National Safer Communities Summit at the University of Hartford.
Biden will be the second president to visit the campus.
“I think all of us here at the university and in Connecticut feel that addressing gun violence is very important. Certainly, you know, 10 years ago with Sandy Hook it really raised awareness of the severity of this crisis that we have in the country. Therefore, we are honored to hold this event here,” said UHart Interim President Stephen Mulready.
The summit begins at 9:00 am at the Lincoln Theater. Biden is expected to speak at 2:00 p.m.
Survivors of gun violence, gun safety advocates, and many federal and state legislators will be present.
Speakers will include Biden, Gabby Giffords, Nelba Márquez Greene, Nicole Hockley, US Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, and Governor Ned Lamont. You can find the lineup of speakers, here.
They will discuss the bipartisan Safer Communities Act, legislation Biden signed last year that includes some of the most significant federal gun safety laws in 30 years.
“Is a waiting period on all assault weapons purchases for younger buyers, invests in red flag state laws that take guns away from dangerous people, expands the background check system and takes guns away from abusers.” households,” said Sen. Chris Murphy.
The legislation also includes $15 billion for mental health and community resources.
“That’s a lot of money, so we’re building a lot of mental health clinics across the country with that money,” Murphy said.
The Connecticut Citizens Defense League released a statement, saying: “Gun control advocates have now coined themselves as gun safety advocates. Responsible firearms owners legally own and use guns every day. Many are instructors or volunteers at their local athletes’ clubs and shooting ranges. These are the individuals who are true gun safety advocates, not those who have little first-hand experience with a firearm.”
After the summit, Biden will be in Greenwich for a campaign reception.
