Gun-related homicides continue to rise in Washington, DC culminating in a 12-year high of 166 homicides in 2019. So far in 2020, we are on pace to exceed that number yet again. While there are several ways to attack the issue, our leaders are ignoring a core aspect of the problem: violent criminals are not being properly held and punished for murders they commit. 

• As of February 28th, 15 of the 16 people charged with homicide in the District were out on pre-trial release. 
• In 2018, 50% of homicide offenders had a prior gun offense including over 90% of whom had 10+ prior arrests. 
• In over 30% of homicides in 2018, the perpetrator was under pre-trial release for a different charge. 

This problem is multi-faceted but imposing stricter sentencing and release conditions in homicide cases is a no-brainer. 

Our Councilmembers, Attorney General and Mayor are derelict in their primary duty to protect the health and safety of all citizens of the District of Columbia. Please support this petition to implement stricter sentencing and pre-release guidelines including:

1. No pre-trial release for homicide suspects
2. Stringent minimum sentencing for gun-related violent offenses 
3. Zero-Tolerance Policy for gun possession