Atlanta

Ga. Democrats call on Gov. Kemp to hold special session to deal with gun violence

ATLANTA — In the wake of the deadly midtown shooting, nearly 200 people rallied at the state Capitol Wednesday calling on Gov. Brian Kemp to hold a special session to deal with gun violence.

Channel 2′s Richard Elliot was at the Capitol, where around 200 people chanted “NOW” on Wednesday for gun control and gun safety.

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They included Democratic lawmakers, who say their 16 gun safety proposals were ignored by the Republican majority.

“It’s time for us to put politics aside and lead to protect the lives of all Georgians,” State Representative James Beverly said.

Democrats sent a letter to Kemp asking him to call a special legislative session to look at three specific proposals: Universal background checks, safe storage laws, and a Georgia red flag protective order act, though some want the state to go much further.

“All three of these common-sense solutions have bipartisan support, certainly the majority of Georgians and the majority of Americans and they are proven to be effective,” State Representative Sam Park said.

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“Marty and the girls and I are continuing to pray for the families affected, the loss of life was horrific,” Kemp said.

In Channel 2 Action News exclusive interview with Kemp, he told Elliot he has no plans to call a special session, even as he tries to get more information about the shootings in midtown and in Moultrie.

“I think there’s a lot of politicians posturing right now which is unfortunate. What I’m doing is I’m continuing to gather the facts on this individual and what are the circumstances as to why this happened,” Kemp explained.

Kemp also thanked law enforcement for all they did to catch the alleged shooter.

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