Lawmakers Push Bill To Curb Gun Violence in Charlotte
CHARLOTTE, NC — In an effort to curb homicides and gun violence in Charlotte, state lawmakers are pushing a bill that would increase punishment for felons caught with guns.
“The intent here is to get it more severe than it is now, sufficiently severe, that it does, in fact, act as a deterrent,” said Rep. Bill Brawley (R) Mecklenburg County. “In those cases where it doesn’t act as a deterrent, the person who continues to break the law will have some time in prison where they’re not a danger to the regular citizens in Mecklenburg County.”
Rep. Brawley’s HB 703 allows judges to punish felons arrested with guns with up to two years in jail.
“I think it has potential to help,” said Mecklenburg County District Attorney Andrew Murray.
Murray would like to see the bill increase punishment beyond two years.
“I really need it to be: someone is going to jail for a significant time so they’re not on the street, terrorizing our community. These crimes you’re talking about, violent crimes, homicides, many times its a felon with a gun,” said Murray.
Rep. Brawley says the bill is in the Senate now. He would like to increase the punishment beyond two years if budget allows.
“This is a first step,” said Rep. Brawley. “Everyone should be able to walk the streets of Mecklenburg County in safety and not worry about suddenly being killed for no reason.”
Right now, felons with guns typically get probation, according to the district attorney.
“Since they’re already a felon, they don’t care,” said Rep. Brawley.
Some organizers against violence in Charlotte say the gun bill is not the answer.
“We have got to figure out how to save our youth, and the law’s not going to save it. All the law is going to do is send them away,
but some of these kids can be saved,” said Shaun Corbett.
Corbett says his popular Cops and Barbers group, bringing community and police together, and creating a tutor/mentor program for children is a better solution.
“We need some of them lawmakers to come down here. They need to spend some time with us. You know?” said Corbett. “Maybe then, they would have a better understanding of what laws they need to pass and how they work.
In response to the 38 homicides in Charlotte so far this year, he is planning a healing block party outside his barber shop at 3720 N Tryon St. on July 9.
He is asking community leaders and lawmakers to join and learn how they can work with communities where violence is more prevalent.
