Community Leaders Mark Gun Violence Awareness Day in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — After recent gun violence in Minnesota, city leaders and gun safety advocates gathered in Central Hillside to discuss and reinforce gun safety measures.

At the event, Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert declared June 3 to be gun violence awareness day in Duluth.

Gun safety advocates and local law enforcement talked about the recent tragedy that happened in Hermantown from gun violence and domestic abuse.

Mayor Reinert also talked about his relationship with late state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman.

“What a heavy day, what a really heavy day,” said Reinert. “You know Melissa and John were friends of mine. Melissa was the mentor for the freshman class when I came into the house. So I got to know her as just a person before she because what we’ve all see in the legislature. And John and I came into the senate together. Hilarious guy and we quickly became friends.”

Propelled by the death of four family members to gun violence, Lavenda Vann has made it her life’s mission to educate, uplift, and bring awareness about the impacts of gun violence to the Duluth community.

“We have a voice, lets use it,” said Vann. “To prevent one less murder, one less suicide, one less accident, one less victim. Let’s all stand together. One less, no more. Shout it too the roof top.”

Community members who stopped by were also given free gun locks and learned gun safety techniques from Duluth Police Officers.