Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords Endorses Omar Montgomery for Mayor of Aurora
September 15, 2019 — Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, co-founder of Giffords , traveled to Aurora, CO to back Omar Montgomery for Mayor of Aurora, CO. During a press conference at the campaign headquarters of Montgomery, she explained why he was the right choice over NRA favorite Mike Coffman. Others who spoke at the event included gun violence survivors Sandy and Lonnie Pillips, State Senator Rhonda Fields, and Omar Montgomery.
Omar Montgomery is a survivor of gun violence and a leader in Aurora who believes that his community, which has had more than its share of gun violence, must continue to lead the state by putting its collective grief into action to fight gun violence. Montgomery’s opponent is former Congressman Mike Coffman, a long-time NRA ally who was defeated in 2018 by now Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06).
“Fighting gun violence requires leaders at every level who will stand up for their community,” said former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. “Omar Montgomery knows the pain that this crisis brings to families and communities, and he is ready to take action to make Aurora a safer place from gun violence. In stark contrast, his opponent had a long career in Congress in the pocket of the gun lobby. Mike Coffman has proven time and time again he won’t be a champion for gun safety. Aurora can do better. That’s why I’m proud to endorse Omar Montgomery for Mayor and look forward to him working to create a safer community here in Aurora.”
“It is an honor to have the support of Congresswoman Giffords. She is among the most vocal, effective and well-known opponents of gun violence in the U.S.,” said Omar Mongomery. “As a survivor of gun violence, this issue is personal. As head of the Aurora NAACP, I know this issue affects us all. I have seen the damage guns have done to our community. That’s why addressing gun violence is a top priority in my campaign and will be as Mayor. Enough with only prayers and thoughts—it’s time for our Aurora leaders to be outraged, to refuse to accept this as the status quo, and to take strong action against the NRA and other extremists. As mayor, I will lead that effort from Day One.”
Former Congressman Mike Coffman is a longtime NRA ally who has staunchly refused to take any action to stop America’s gun violence epidemic. While in Congress, Coffman enthusiastic backed NRA-supported bills like concealed carry reciprocity, loosening restrictions of interstate gun sales, and a bill legitimizing hunting and shooting on federal lands. In 2018, Giffords PAC spent nearly $1.5 million in opposition to Coffman’s reelection.
Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence’s Annual Gun Law Scorecard found that Colorado received a “C” for the strength of its gun laws. While Colorado did not pass any significant gun safety legislation in 2018, gun safety advocates successfully defeated two dangerous gun lobby–backed bills, one to allow permitless carry and another to permit guns in K–12 schools .