Anna Eskamani responds to recent El Paso, Dayton tragedies

State Rep. Anna Eskamani is organizing a vigil against gun violence in response to the surge of shootings from California to Ohio.

The advocate and freshman politician who represents House District 47, released the following statement:

“From Gilroy to El Paso, and now Dayton. Our nation is facing a public health epidemic with gun violence, and politicians at every level of government continue to do nothing. We know that this issue is multifaceted, and finding solutions will involve policy around gun control, mental health, and dismantling white supremacy. 

“The Democratic Caucus last legislative session offered numerous bills to tackle these issues, and none received a hearing. We plan to refile bills and continue in our efforts of holding colleagues accountable, pushing back against groups like the NRA, and calling out white supremacy when we see it.”

Eskamani represents a community still traumatized from the Pulse shooting that occurred in 2016 where 49 people were killed and dozens more injured after a gunman opened fire on the Orlando nightclub.

The representative, who was elected in 2018 midterm election and featured on a VICE News documentary during her campaign, has called for the probe of an NRA lobbyist and referred to one politician as an “NRA sellout.” 

A news release says Eskamani has been “an unapologetic advocate for gun safety since day one.”

Today, Eskamani is spreading the word about the vigil on Facebook, where residents can follow the event for the most updated information.

Confirmed organizations, per the Facebook event, are Florida League of Women Voters, Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, Moms Demand Action, March For Our Lives and Hope Community Center.

No location has been assigned for the event yet, but what we do know is it will be held in District 47 on Friday, August 9, beginning at 5 p.m.