‘A Collapse Of Our Responsibility To Protect Our Children’: Wesley Bell Decries ‘Senseless’ Gun Violence

During House floor remarks on Wednesday, Rep. Wesley Bell (D-MO) spoke about the need for ‘common-sense’ gun reforms.

Transcript

00:00Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute.

00:08Mr. Speaker, another child in St. Louis, in the St. Louis region, has gone too early.

00:14Marshawn Futrell Jr. was 11 years old, a football star, a big brother, a son.

00:22Monday night, this 11-year-old was yet another victim of senseless gun violence.

00:31Across the St. Louis region, 20 children have been shot since the beginning of 2025.

00:40This is not just a crisis, it's a collapse of our responsibility to protect our children.

00:47Gun violence is ripping through our neighborhoods, and if we truly believe in public safety,

00:54then we must start treating it like what it is, a public health emergency.

01:02That means common sense gun reform, investments in trauma-informed care,

01:07and asking ourselves how many more funerals before we decide enough is enough.

01:12To the families who have suffered the unspeakable tragedy of losing a loved one,

01:18I hear you, I see you, and I will not stop fighting for the change we are long overdue for.

01:27I yield back.

01:29For what purpose does the good lady from Illinois seek recognition?

01:32Thank you, I see you, and I have a consent.

01:34Thank you, Mr. Kennedy.

01:34Thank you for your attention.

01:36Thank you, Mr. Kennedy.