Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence Issues Statement on Tragic Shooting inside Columbus Nightclub that Killed Five and Wounded Two Others

Tragic Shooting Shows Why Americans Must Address Gun Violence as a Public Health Epidemic with a Comprehensive Plan to Address and Prevent All Types of Gun Deaths and Injuries

December 9th, 2004, Toledo, OH)-The Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence released the following statement following the tragic shooting at a nightclub in Columbus, Ohio, where 25-year-old Nathan Gale walked on stage and shot and killed 4 people, including heavy metal guitarist Darrell Abbott, before police shot and killed Gale.

"We want to offer our sympathies and condolences to the victims and families affected by this tragic shooting," said Toby Hoover, Executive Director of the Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence. "This tragedy only adds to the daily and horrific toll of gun violence in Ohio and throughout our country. Our thoughts and prayers are with these families.

"Although there are many questions still unanswered as the investigation continues, one thing is clear, that this tragic shooting only emphasizes the desperate need for a comprehensive nationwide, public health approach to prevent and reduce gun violence. Until we accomplish that goal, gun violence will continue."

National Rifle Association License Plates Will Mean Gun Owners are Registering Themselves with the State of Ohio

PRNewswire (US)

TOLEDO, Ohio -- The Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence (OCAGV) is surprised and pleased that the Ohio legislators and the National Rifle Association, NRA, are ncouraging gun owners to publicly identify themselves.

The Ohio Senate today passed a bill, Amended Substitute Bill HB 329, with a vote of 28-0, creating a National Rifle Association license plate. The license plate will be issued on completion of registration with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

In all the considerations of bills concerning firearms in the state of Ohio, secrecy has been one of the most important issues to the gun lobby.

Earlier this year, the Ohio legislators passed a bill allowing the secret and hidden carrying of concealed weapons.

The Ohio Coalition Against Violence Executive Director, Toby Hoover, reacted with surprise to the passage of the bill that authorizes National Rifle Association license plates in Ohio.

"Now we will see many Ohio gun owners voluntarily register themselves with the state of Ohio," Hoover said in response to passage of the bill. "I am a bit astonished, given the strong opposition of the NRA to registering gun owners. But soon we'll know who has the guns by the license plates on their cars." "An NRA license plate will, ironically, be helpful to our police," Hoover added. "When they see the NRA symbol, they'll know that the driver may be packing heat in his car and take appropriate precautions." The registration of these plates by gun owners will now serve the safety of Ohioans by providing identification to law enforcement, other drivers, employers, and neighbors.

"Unfortunately the revenue from these plates will further finance the powerful NRA instead of contributing to violence prevention. Funding conflict resolution or giving funds to survivors of gun violence -- as well as trauma centers that routinely deal with gun shot injuries -- would have been more appropriate," said Toby Hoover, Executive Director of the Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence.

The Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence is a statewide non-profit organization with a mission to reduce and prevent gun violence by fostering a culture of non-violence in our communities.