Gov. Lamont, local mayors announce proposals on reducing gun violence

HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) – Governor Ned Lamont and mayors from around the state announced recommendations to reduce gun violence on Tuesday.

Mayors from major Connecticut cities joined Governor Lamont to present their recommendations.

Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, Waterbury Mayor Neil O’Leary, Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, Wolcott Mayor Tom Dunn, and Chief State’s Attorney Patrick Griffin all attended.

“The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities’ Board of Directors established the special task force in October of 2022 with a narrow mission of increasing accountability for repeat offenders involved in gun violence,” officials said.

The task force is recommending higher bond for serious offenders, holding them longer and electronic monitoring when the are put on bond.

“In many cases the people who are arrested for committing a violent crime are already out on bond or or bail or something and accused of committing another violent crime,” says Joe Delong executive director of CCM.

The task force is also calling for tougher penalties.

“More severe consequences for those who are repeat serious offenders, who are engaged in gun violence in our communities,” says Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin.

Community advocates and families impacted by gun violence also attended.

Laquavia Jones’ two sons were killed by gun violence.

“This needs to be in place, to send a message that this is not acceptable – to continue to be a violent offender and just come home and walk free – to cause more harm and danger to our community,” says Jones.

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