Oklahoma Democrats Call For Gun Reform, Safety-Measures Amid Rising Gun Violence

The Muskogee mayor called on State and Federal lawmakers to act in the wake of this senseless act of gun violence. 

“Do something or step aside and let someone else do your job,” said Marlon J. Coleman, the Muskogee Mayor. 

Thursday afternoon the Oklahoma Democratic Caucus pushed for a solution. 

The Democratic lawmakers started out their press conference extending thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims in Tulsa. 

Also making a point to say that the press conference was scheduled before the mass shooting. 

“I don’t think they ever thought a tragedy like this would find its way to our state but now that it has the only thing worse than making a bad decision is continuing down that track. We can change course,” said Rep. Monroe Nichols, D-Tulsa. 

The Oklahoma Democratic Caucus is calling on their fellow lawmakers 

“In an effort to prevent future deaths our caucus is calling on our colleagues, the Governor, to amend the call for special session to allow us time to amend Oklahoma gun laws,” said Rep. Nichols. 

The Caucus proposed the ‘Stand Against Violence and Extremism Act.’ 

“I truly believe that the state of Oklahoma believes in this, in our plan,” said Rep. Jason Lowe, D-OKC. 

The SAVE Act would repeal Anti Red Flag Laws, permitless Carry and conceal carry in Zoos and public parks. 

It would add a statewide red flag law, waiting period law and raise the minimum purchase age to 21. 

“When we have this conversation people say, ‘don’t be divisive, don’t bring it up now, have respect for families.’ We are here because we have respect for the families,” said Rep. Regina Goodwin, D-Tulsa. 

“No words of comfort will ease their pain at this time so we have come today to propose action that we know will decrease the likelihood that any other Oklahoma family has to suffer the same pain, same loss of those were murdered in my hometown just yesterday,” said Rep. Nichols of Tulsa. 

Police said the gunman in the Tulsa mass shooting was able to legally purchase an AR-15 style rifle hours before opening fire, killing four people. 

“Background checks, that would prevent dangerous individuals from possessing firearms. Proper training for individuals who purchase AR-15’s. Reg flag laws that would identify individuals that are suffering with mental health illnesses,” said Rep. Lowe. 

“In America people have access to weapons of war, to semi-automatic rifles that can cause this kind of damage before ‘the good guy’ even has time to show up,” said Rep. Emily Virgin, the House Minority Leader, D-Norman. 

We have reached out to the Governor’s Office for comment and have not heard back. 

Don Spencer, the President of the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association responded to the SAFE Act proposal online saying quote: 

“No. We will work to improve the safety and security for which self-preservation laws are designed to do. Perpetrators have, are and will ignore the laws and make more victims out of people who may choose to defend themselves.”