Moms Demand Action (MDA) awards candidate Mohammad Faraj the Gun Sense Candidate distinction
Moms Demand Action (MDA), a grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures to protect people from gun violence, recently awarded Mohammad Faraj, candidate for Cleveland Ward 7 City Council, the Gun Sense Candidate distinction.
“There isn’t a single block in the entire new Ward 7 where the topic of gun violence doesn’t come up,” says Mohammad. “Long has Cleveland taken the brunt of the state legislature’s ludicrous gun policies. From Edgewater Hill down to Wakefield Ave, Lakeview Terrace to Clark Ave, and everywhere in between, families are worried about the proliferation of guns and the violence that ensues.”
Gun Violence in Cleveland Ward 7
According to Everytown for Gun Safety, Ohioans have the 24th-highest rate of gun deaths in the country. In an average year, 1,770 people die by guns in Ohio.
“Just this week, a man was shot on the western edge of the ward and died at the hospital. This is actually the second time during this summer in which that immediate area has been affected by gun violence,” recalls Mohammad.
During a canvass at Lakeview Terrace, one of Ward 7’s largest public housing complexes, residents told Mohammad about their fears of letting children play outside due to nearby shootings. Other residents have shared concerns about parties at local Airbnbs leading to gunfire and unrest.
Voices From the Community
Mohammad highlights the perspective of a nurse at MetroHealth who held back tears while describing the number of children, teenagers, and adults treated for gunshot wounds every weekend.
Gun violence is not only devastating in human terms but also incredibly costly. Estimates show gun violence in Ohio costs $22.3 billion each year, including $493.7 million paid by taxpayers.
“Anyone who claims that common-sense, gun violence prevention legislation would infringe on your fundamental freedoms as an American is outright lying to you, trying to manipulate you, and unfortunately has no respect for you,” Mohammad states.
A Local Approach to Gun Violence Prevention
Acknowledging the reality of Cleveland’s fight to reduce gun violence, Mohammad stresses the need for local solutions:
“We cannot wait for national or even state solutions here. In fact, we’ve done ourselves a disservice by only focusing on the supply side of this equation and not exploring proven methods that target the demand side.”
Faraj argues that when young people feel the need to purchase guns just to feel safe, it reflects a failure by adults to invest in programs that keep youth supported, engaged, and hopeful.
Once elected to Cleveland City Council for Ward 7, Mohammad intends to work with the school board, nonprofits, and labor unions to explore real solutions to Cleveland’s gun violence crisis.