Reps. Craig Williams and Martina White have re-introduced legislation to establish a Gun Violence Task Force (GVTF) aimed at prosecuting prior-convicted felons in possession of firearms in Philadelphia. This move follows the previous passage of similar legislation by the House in 2022 with a significant bipartisan vote.
The GVTF will be led by the Office of the Attorney General and include collaboration with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, Philadelphia Police Department, and local law enforcement agencies. Federal entities like the United States Attorney’s Office are also invited to participate. The task force’s main objective is to evaluate each arrest involving a prior-convicted felon found with a firearm for prosecution purposes.
“Violence in Philadelphia is out of hand,” said Williams. He emphasized that most violent crimes are committed by prior felons and stressed that prosecuting these individuals for gun possession could significantly reduce crime rates. By engaging both state and federal authorities, Williams aims to deliver a strong message against criminal activities.
White highlighted the surge in gun violence between 2018 and 2022, noting that 9,781 people were shot during this period, with 2,041 fatalities. She underscored the need for effective law enforcement to ensure community safety.
Philadelphia law enforcement must report every instance of a felon possessing a gun to the GVTF. The task force will then review these cases to decide on prosecution strategies based on arrest details and defendants’ criminal histories.
Williams brings his experience as a former federal prosecutor to this initiative, advocating for rigorous prosecution as an effective deterrent against crime. He has introduced additional measures seeking co-sponsorship support for imposing presumptive sentences on violent offenders caught with guns or involved in drug trafficking while armed.
The bill mandates an annual report from the Attorney General detailing arrests, prosecutions, convictions, sentences, and expenditures related to task force activities. Williams believes coupling aggressive prosecution with significant prison terms is essential for reducing violence effectively.
