New Kirk video compliments presser with Durbin, McCarthy

Posted by Kerry Lester on Fri, 03/08/2013 - 14:42

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk - who eight weeks ago returned to Congress following a yearlong recovery from a stroke - wasn't present at Friday's gun control news conference with fellow Senator Dick Durbin and Chicago Police Superintenent Garry McCarthy in Chicago.

But the Highland Park Republican released a video highlighting the effects of gang violence, adding to the conversation surrounding his and Durbin's bipartisan legislation that would crack down on "straw purchasing" and illegal gun trafficking. The legislation, which passed out of a judiciary committee Thursdaym would, for the first time, make gun trafficking a federal crime. A portion will be named after Hadiya Pendelton, the 15-year-old King College Prep student who was killed in a Chicago park in January.

"You just felt the sadness in their voices, the loss of a 15-year-old child," Kirk says in the video of meeting with the Pendletons.

The legislation now heads to the Senate floor.

Take a look.

Comments ()

We are now using Facebook comments to offer a more inclusive, social and constructive discussion. Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our or terms of service, click the X in the upper right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.