GIFFORDS, Rep. Pettersen and local officials call out Gabe Evans extreme record on gun safety and discuss progress on commonsense reforms

DENVER, CO — GIFFORDS, the national gun violence prevention group, and Colorado Democrats held a public safety roundtable, featuring Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), State Representatives Lorena Garcia and Chad Clifford, and Emma Brown, Executive Director of GIFFORDS.

The conversation, which was moderated by Beckie Bean, Chair of Adam County Democrats, focused on addressing gun violence in the Centennial State. The roundtable also included an overview of gun safety bills moving through the Colorado legislature, as well as Congressman Gabe Evans’ record of blocking progress on commonsense gun safety reforms and putting politics ahead of public safety. 

“In the United States, firearms are the leading cause of death of our kids, which is a reality none of us should accept,” said Congresswoman Pettersen. “In the legislature, I fought to ensure guns are kept out of the hands of those who are a danger to themselves and others, and I’ve continued that fight in Congress. As a mom, I’m proud to partner with GIFFORDS and build a future where our kids are safe at school and in our country.”  A link to Congresswoman Pettersen’s opening remarks can be found here.

“Gabe Evans does whatever his gun industry donors tell him to—even when it puts Coloradans at risk. He opposes everything that would stop school shooters from getting guns, but he’s more than happy to have teachers carry guns in Colorado classrooms. He’s even trying to let tourists carry concealed weapons with no training and without ever passing a background check,” said Emma Brown, Executive Director of GIFFORDS. “He’s actively pushing a deadly agenda that makes it harder and more dangerous for law enforcement officers to do their jobs. As a former member of law enforcement, you would think he’d do better. Coloradans certainly deserve better.”

Gabe Evans was a cop with the Arvada Police Department for over a decade. In his first few months in Congress, Evans co-sponsored the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. This bill, which law enforcement groups opposed, would allow individuals who were eligible to carry a concealed firearm in their home state there to carry that gun anywhere else in the country.

State Senator Tom Sullivan provided opening remarks to kick off the roundtable discussion. His son, Alex Sullivan, was among the 12 people murdered in the 2012 Aurora theatre shooting.

“To see progress on this issue, it requires a partnership with our representatives in Washington, DC. Here in this district, with Gabe Evans, we are not getting that partnership,” said State Sen. Tom Sullivan. “We need someone who listens to the people who have been impacted on a day-to-day basis, to hear from them, and do something about it. He made it very clear where his priorities are when he cosponsored the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act.”

“Gun violence isn’t inevitable – it’s a policy choice. As an elected member of the legislature AND a law enforcement officer, I have made my choice, consistently, with every vote for common-sense gun laws. I expect others to do the same,” said State Rep. Chad Clifford. ”This community has done the hard work of showing up, speaking out, and demanding better. CD-08 deserves elected officials who match your courage. I think your choice is clear.”

During his tenure in the state legislature, Evans sponsored a bill that would allow for the concealed carry of firearms in Colorado schools and advocated for arming teachers to address school shootings.

“Coloradans want safer neighborhoods, but politicians like Gabe Evans are standing in the way of progress,”said Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib. “They don’t want excuses. They want action. We’re focused on solutions that keep our children and families safe and prevent the next tragedy.”

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