Sen. Kelly: Hartford shooting “cries out for systemic reforms”

For Immediate Release

Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly today issued the following statement in reaction to the news that a Hartford man was out on bond for his alleged involvement with another fatal shooting when he was charged with shooting two more — killing one — in the city on Sunday morning.

“Why was the alleged shooter – who has multiple pending cases with violent offenses – out on the street?  This is an avoidable tragedy, and this situation cries out for systemic reforms.  Senate Republicans stand ready to work with mayors, law enforcement, the Judicial Branch, victims and their families, and all community stakeholders to pass policies which make our streets safer.  A safer Connecticut must be our focus.”

During the 2023 legislative session, Senate Republicans offered legislation to help empower law enforcement to combat the state’s gun violence.  The proposal, which was rejected by majority Democrats, sought to increase firearm crime data disclosures and other data critical to understanding the cause and effects of gun violence in Connecticut.