Gun control advocates gather in Cheswick to protest state rep's vote in favor of constitutional carry bill

Local gun safety advocacy groups and community members gathered in Rachel Carson Riverfront Park in Cheswick on Thursday afternoon to raise awareness about gun safety.

CeaseFirePA hosted the gathering, attended by about 15 people, to bring attention to the support of state Rep. Carrie Lewis DelRosso, R-Oakmont, for Senate Bill 565. The legislation would allow people to carry a firearm openly or concealed without a permit.

Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed the bill Dec. 2.

“What we want to tell Rep. DelRosso is how disappointed we are in her choice to support this bill to make us less safe,” said Terri Minor-Spencer, CeaseFirePA’s campaign organizer, during the rally.

.@CeaseFirePA is holding a gun safety rally at Rachel Carson Park.

The rally aims to hold Rep. Carrie Lewis DelRosso accountable for her support of Senate Bill 565 that would allow anyone who wishes to carry concealed guns able to do so without a background check and permit. pic.twitter.com/FV3GC0eZMZ

— Tanisha Thomas (@tanishajanae) December 9, 2021

Chants of “What do we want? Gun safety! When do we want it? Now!” were yelled during the rally. Three speakers gave accounts of how gun violence affected their lives or informed attendees of how gun violence has affected the community.

Alicia Chatkin, one of the speakers and board president of CeaseFirePA, hoped the rally educated people on the different ways gun violence affects people and causes DelRosso to reconsider her decision to help protect more lives.

“When you make a decision like that, it puts a lot of lives at risk,” Chatkin said.

Springdale resident Amy Sarno said DeRosso’s support of the bill made her feel unsafe as a parent with kids in school.

“She says she wants to improve the community but voted for something to increase guns,” she said.

DelRosso said everyone has the right to rally on these issues. She said there is a misconception about the legislation because she said it would not change existing laws.

She emphasized how extensive the background check is for Pennsylvanians looking to own a gun and that those who obtain one without going through the background check process are doing so illegally.

“I believe in the Second Amendment, and I believe in gun safety,” she said.