Sellers was injured in same gang shooting that took the life of Hadiya Pendleton; Kirk presents Sellers with copy of tribute to him in the Congressional Record
CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–March 18 2014. U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) yesterday met with Lawrence Sellers, an Eagle Scout who was injured last year in the same gang shooting that took Hadiya Pendleton’s life, and presented him with a signed copy of an official tribute that Kirk put in the Congressional Record last week.
Last January, Sellers and his friends were relaxing in Chicago’s Vivian Gordon Harsh Park after finishing their high school final exams when shots rang out. Sellers was shot in the leg while protecting his girlfriend. Last month, the Boy Scouts of America presented Sellers with the Honor Medal, an award given to fewer than 2,500 Scouts since 1923.
“I want to recognize Lawrence for his bravery and heroism – because inside this tragedy, we can find a spark of hope to restore our faith in what is possible when good people are not afraid to do the right thing,” Sen. Kirk said. “Lawrence is that spark” Sen. Kirk talked with Sellers about how community organizations like the Boy Scouts play a critical role in a holistic approach to stop gang violence in Chicago. Sen. Kirk also presented Sellers with a copy of the March 13th Congressional Record, which contained a tribute to Sellers written by Sen. Kirk.
Last year, Sen. Kirk authored legislation named for Hadiya Pendleton to stop the straw purchasing and trafficking of guns that can end up in the hands of dangerous gangs like the Gangster Disciples. Kirk also co-authored legislation to increase background checks on firearms purchases and has urged the Illinois General Assembly to pass legislation increasing penalties for violent gun crimes. More information on Sen. Kirk’s efforts to crack down on gang violence can be found here.
Source: kirk.senate.gov
