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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 2018
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Governor Wolf Joins Representative Harris for Listening Session on Gun Violence in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PAGovernor Tom Wolf today joined Representative Jordan Harris, Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency Chairman Charles Ramsey, and additional state and local leaders for a listening session on gun violence in Philadelphia.

“Today’s visit is about hearing directly from members of the community about how gun violence is impacting Philadelphia,” said Governor Wolf. “It is important for my administration to learn what policies are needed to prevent individuals who have illegally possessed firearms from committing violent acts.”

Governor Wolf, Representative Harris, and Chairman Ramsey were joined by families affected by gun violence, medical practitioners, clergy, and funeral directors at the Carl Moore Center for an open discussion on the impacts of gun violence in Philadelphia’s neighborhoods. Participants shared personal stories with the governor on how gun violence has affected their lives, families, and communities.

State Representative Jordan Harris, D-Philadelphia, chairman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, said, "Illegal gun violence in Pennsylvania is a public health crisis. I appreciate Governor Wolf coming to Philadelphia to underline that he gets it and joins legislators like me who are calling for Harrisburg to act on the gun violence crisis. We look forward to working with the administration to identify resources to help stem the tide of gun violence in our communities."

In 2016 alone, there were more than 10,000 incidents involving firearms across Pennsylvania, with nearly 5,000 of them taking place in Philadelphia. Prior to the discussion, Governor Wolf joined Representative Harris at a community-made memorial site in Southwest Philadelphia in remembrance of a young victim of gun violence.

MEDIA CONTACT: J.J. Abbott, 717-783-1116
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