Community Corner

Activists Rally for Gun Measure at Congressman's Office

Local residents urged Rep. Jim Gerlach to support expanded background checks for those purchasing guns. Immigration reform activists also visited Gerlach's office Wednesday.

Written by Brittany Tressler


More than 30 people stood in front of U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach's office on Main Street in Trappe around Noon on Wednesday, urging the official to support "common sense gun laws."

The event was coordinated by Organizing for Action - PA (OFA-PA), and included several local community members, from children to senior citizens, holding signs such as "background checks save lives" and "Representative Gerlach Stop Criminals from Buying Guns."

"Supporters of gun violence prevention have not forgotten about Sandy Hook or Aurora, Tuscon or Virginia Tech, and they won't let leaders in Washington forget that they can act to make their communities safer," according to the OFA-PA.

Participants hope Gerlach will support H.R. 1565, the Public Safety and Second Amendment Rights Protection Act of 2013, which includes expanded background checks for those who purchase guns.

Gerlach is yet to come out in support of the law, though he is quoted as saying there need to be a balance between the Constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens while "preventing those who lack the mental competency to responsibly use firearms from obtaining and using them to kill innocent victims."

"We want Congressman Gerlach to support expanded background checks," said Hope DeFrenes, of Schwenksville, who held a sign at the event. "We don't want criminals to buy guns."

The event was inspired by the "Hands Across America" campaign of 1986, when millions of American joined hands in a display of social justice. 

Later in the day, immigration reform activists organized by the 32BJ unit of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) also visited Gerlach's office after rallying in Norristown.

Gerlach's office could not be reached immediately for comment on the rally.

Editor's Note: This story was edited to remove an incorrect quote.


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