Cervantes: I know what gun violence looks like first hand

• HB 5471
• Gun Violence
• Assault Weapons Ban

Cervantes votes for assault weapons ban

SPRINGFIELD – As a child with experience of gun violence first hand, State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes supported a measure to ban assault style weapons on Monday.

“I lost my father to gun violence when I was a young child, and now I have the opportunity to protect communities from the pain I experienced and support a ban on these weapons of war,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “My personal experiences have shown how awful and tragic gun violence can be. I am proud to play a part in removing these weapons that cause so much damage and trauma from our streets.”

In response to recent tragedies in Illinois, Cervantes and fellow Senators were part of the ongoing conversation to find solutions to bans assault weapons and high-capacity magazines from being manufactured or sold in Illinois.

Studies show that approximately one-third of public mass shooting events include the use of an assault weapon, and nearly 40% involve a high-capacity magazine. When an assault weapon and/or a high-capacity magazine is used in a public mass shooting, nearly 14 times as many people are injured, and twice as many people are killed. Not only are there more injuries when assault weapons are used, but the types of injuries are far worse.

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Cervantes responds to shooting outside local high school

CHICAGO – State Senator Javier Cervantes released the following statement after hearing of a tragic shooting outside Benito Juarez High School:

“The news of this shooting is horrifying. I’m deeply saddened for the victims, their families and our entire community.

“This act of violence is extremely disheartening. Our community is strong and we have to support one another through this difficult time.”

Illinois Senate Democrats welcome Javier Cervantes as new member

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus welcomes a new member - Javier Cervantes.

With deep roots in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, Cervantes has a passion for community organizing and the creative arts. Cervantes passion and dedication led him to his career path at Service Employees International (SEIU Health Care Illinois and Indiana), dedicating 12 years as a union representative in this field.

“I am honored to serve the communities of the 1^st Senate District of Illinois and I look forward to all that we can accomplish together,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This honor comes at the resignation of my predecessor and I ensure the communities of my district that I will live up to his legacy and continue pushing Illinois in the right direction.”

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