Moms Demand Action, Students Demand Action Call on Governor Northam to Sign Police Reform Legislation Passed During Virginia’s Special Session

The Virginia chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety, released the following statement applauding the Virginia legislature for passing police reform legislation, including legislation to create Citizen Review Boards, demilitarize police departments and decertify officers who are terminated for misconduct, and calling on Gov. Northam to sign the legislation.

“These policies are a positive step towards ensuring those who are meant to protect and serve Virginians are held accountable when they fail, and rebuilding Virginia communities’ trust in law enforcement,” said Gayatri Manoharan, a volunteer with the Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We will continue to push for stronger laws that create transparency, improve public safety, and deliver justice for those affected by police violence in Virginia.”

Gun violence is a uniquely American epidemic, as is gun violence by police. Every year, police in America shoot and kill more than 1,000 people. The combination of systemic racism, white supremacy, America’s gun culture, and the militarization of police is toxic—and Black people in particular are paying with their lives. Read more about gun violence and policing here.