SCHAKOWSKY & OTHERS HOLD VIGIL ON CAPITOL STEPS TO REMEMBER VICTIMS OF GUN VIOLENCE. UNVEIL PHOTOS OF VICTIMS FROM THE CHICAGO AREA AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY

June 14, 2000
Press Release
JUNE 14, 2000

SCHAKOWSKY & OTHERS HOLD VIGIL ON CAPITOL STEPS TO REMEMBER VICTIMS OF GUN VIOLENCE

UNVEIL PHOTOS OF VICTIMS FROM THE CHICAGO AREA AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), members of Congress, concerned citizens, and others today held a vigil on the Capitol steps to remember victims of gun violence. Participants urged immediate action by Congress to pass sensible gun safety measures that would require the sale of child safety locks with each handgun, close the gun show sales loophole, and ban the importation of large capacity ammunition clips.

"Having attended too many funerals where grieving families are left with nothing but pain, I am sickened that Congress has failed to act to protect other families from losing a loved one to gun violence. Waiting any longer to pass sensible gun safety legislation is simply criminal," Schakowsky said.

During the vigil, the members unveiled photographs of victims. Following the vigil, members will be displaying the photographs from their districts in their offices. A "virtual gallery" of the photographs and stories of each victim can be viewed at http://democraticleader.house.gov.

"These pictures are a grim reminder of the devastation of gun violence. They remind us of the shattered lives of mothers who will never get the chance to hug their children again or sons who will never have the opportunity to play ball with their fathers. We are here today to renew our call for action. We cannot afford to lose another life to guns," Schakowsky said.

Victims from the 9th Congressional District are:

  • Ronald Raymond Walker II, age 15
Ronald Raymond Walker II was 15 years old when he was shot and killed instantly on December 12, 1996, by a random act of violence as he left a corner grocery store in Evanston, Illinois. He was shot with a .32 caliber handgun, once in the forehead and once through the left ear. He was a sophomore in high school.
  • Wayne Hoffman-Reid, Jr., age 13
Wayne Hoffman-Reid, Jr. was a 13-year-old young man when he was taken from his family and his friends. At the time of his death, Wayne was one week away from graduating from the 8th grade at Haven Middle School in Evanston, Illinois. Wayne was shot during a sniper attack on June 5, 1997. He was shot in the back in the middle of his shoulder blade by a .38 caliber bullet.
  • Ricky Byrdsong, age 43
Ricky Byrdsong lived in Skokie, Illinois. He was a loving husband and father, a leader in the community, a former basketball coach at Northwestern University, and a man of deep religious faith. And he was murdered in cold blood. His only crime was the color of his skin. He was African-American. He was shot by a hate monger on July 2, 1999.
  • Andrew Needhan Young, age 19
Andrew Needham Young loved his family, especially younger brothers PJ and Toothie. He was a nationally ranked speedskater, had many friends, and attended Community College. He was shot through the heart on June 10, 1996 by a young man who had easy access to a straw-purchased Bryco 9mm semi-automatic handgun. Andrew died in his twin brother's arms.