Councilmember Thomas Gives Away Gunlocks

[Luke_Wilbur]

Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, “Jr. will hold a press conference on Thursday, September 25, 2008 at 10:45 am on the steps of the Wilson Building to announce the giveaway of 50 “RAC” gunlocks in conjunction with the American RAC and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. Councilmember Thomas will be joined by his Council colleagues, representatives from RAC and Omega Psi Phi, the Ward 5 pastoral community, and other civic leaders in the city.

 

Each year, hundreds of DC residents lose their lives to senseless gun violence, and changes in the District’s gun laws could accelerate that trend. Last year alone, for example, 81 percent of the District’s homicides were committed with guns, of which more than half of the victims were children. More than 2,600 firearms are recovered annually in the District by the Metropolitan Police Department and federal law enforcement agencies.

 

The RAC is a government approved anti-theft device that prevents the unauthorized use of weapons and other personal items. It is an easy-to-use storage device that can be mounted on walls or in cabinets, drawers, lockers, and vehicle compartments.

 

RAC and Omega Psi Phi have partnered together to sponsor “Protect Our Children for Life,” a program that provides gun owners with the RAC safety device at no cost. “Today’s RAC giveaway is just a small example of what you can expect for the District as corporations, foundations, government agencies, and individuals embrace the “Protect Our Children for Life” initiative,” said RAC founder and American RAC CEO William McMurry.

 

“Congress has made it possible for DC residents to legally own guns and now we must be vigilant about gun safety education,” said Councilmember Thomas. “As a District leader, member of the Omega fraternity, and most importantly, as a parent, I pleased and proud that RAC and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity have chosen to promote the safe storage of firearms in the District. Most importantly, I applaud their focus on protecting our children.”

 

 

 

WHO: Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Council colleagues; William McMurry inventor of THE RAC and sponsor of the giveaway; Mark Jackson, Omega Charities; Ward 5 Pastors; Ward 5 civic leaders

 

 

 

WHAT: Press Conference, Demonstration and Distribution of THE RAC (a new government- approved gun locking anti-theft systems)

 

 

 

WHEN: Thursday, September 25, 2008 – 10:45 a.m.

 

 

 

WHERE: Steps of the John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW