Congressman Tim Ryan Statement on Area Children Killed by Gunfire this Week

Akron, Ohio – Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) made the following statement today regarding the deaths of Mar’Viyah Jones of Akron (age 6) and Rowan Sweeney of Struthers (age 4) who were killed this week in two separate incidents. Both were killed by gunfire.  

“My heart broke twice this week. The last few days have brought terrible news to two families in my Congressional District who each lost a child to gunfire. Six-year old Mar’Viyah Jones of Akron died of injuries she received almost a week ago after being shot on the street, and four-year old Rowan Sweeney of Struthers was killed in his own home early Monday—also by gunfire. My prayers and condolences go out to both families as they face the reality of a child dying in a senseless killing. 

“There is an epidemic of violence in this country that is taking the lives of our men and women, young and old—and from these deaths, families will not recover. Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and grandparents will be forever scarred by the violence that has touched them. 

“Everyone must play a part in ending this cycle of violence and work to provide our children with the chance they deserve to grow up in a loving and safe environment that nurtures them and provides them with what they need. It is not too much to ask to keep our children safe from gunfire. Too many people in our cities are plagued by the empty hope that there are no opportunities for our youth to do better. 

“We are not powerless to prevent future tragedies. We need legislation to address the epidemic of gun violence in this country. We cannot afford to do nothing."

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