Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords campaigned for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton on Friday in Milwaukee. Giffords, who was severely injured during a shooting in 2011 in Arizona, was joined by Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and other Democratic leaders.
The officials urged attendees to vote for candidates at every level of government who supported common-sense gun laws. State Rep. Mandela Barnes, D-Milwaukee, said the number of lives affected by gun violence in this country is staggering.
“Ninety-one lives lost every day in this country,” Barnes said. “Ninety-one, who can fathom that? We should be ashamed of ourselves as a nation that we allow this to go on and that is in addition to the 131,000 people a year who are injured by gun violence.”
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Giffords said Clinton is the presidential candidate that will strengthen gun laws. Following November’s election, Giffords has one goal.
“Speaking is difficult for me,” Giffords said, who has a language disorder known as aphasia as a result of the shooting. Due to aphasia, Giffords can understand everything, but can only come up with a couple words at a time. “But come January, I want to say these two words: Madam President.”
She said Clinton’s toughness and courage will help her stand up to the gun lobby and make families safer.
Barrett said most people see gun violence as an urban issue, but it is their obligation as humans to help the people affected.
Mother of four and Milwaukee resident Jill Huennekens attended the rally. She said Giffords is an inspiration to her and people who shouldn’t have guns shouldn’t be able to get them.
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