Group plans ‘teach in’ to curb gun violence

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INDIANAPOLIS — The group Hoosiers Concerned About Gun Violence is planning a “Teach-In,” to help shift the dialogue to focus on the surplus of firearms that contributes to an already violent society.

Jerry King, Hoosiers Concerned About Gun Violence, said it is proposing more background checks and improved enforcement of Indiana’s so-called Red Flag Law to address gun-related incidents – including suicide, domestic violence, and homicide. “We live in a nation, we live in a city, in a state that’s just awash with guns. And so we focus, really, in on that particular problem,” King said.

King added he understands many people will not readily relinquish their firearms, and his group would support legislation to limit sales and possession of assault weapons. The Teach-In event is scheduled for April 8th. Hoosiers Concerned About Gun Violence was created in 1992 when a teen fatally shot his parents after purchasing a weapon from a local gun store.

King said his nonprofit also was vocal in its opposition to Governor Eric Holcomb’s signing of House Bill 1296 into law last year, allowing people to carry guns without a license or permit.”We just think that was the most reckless and foolish policy measure – and so, we are interested in a campaign that might see that very, very bad law reversed,” King said.

His group will also launch a leadership development program for 16-to-22-year-olds this fall, Kind said, focusing on conflict resolution, civic engagement, and principles of democracy.

The group’s activities are being planned around an NRA event in April.