WATERBURY, Conn. (WTIC Radio)—Waterbury's Chief of Police is testifying before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday as an opening witness, kicking off a series of hearings focused on proposals to reduce gun violence.
Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo is testifying remotely at 10 a.m. to support federal efforts in reducing gun violence at the request of U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.
"I am extremely honored that I've been asked by Senator Blumenthal and the Judiciary Committee of the Senate to provide testimony regarding common sense gun violence solutions," Spagnolo said Monday outside of the Waterbury Police Department.
Blumenthal explained that he chose Spagnolo due to his experience in law enforcement and due to the work the Waterbury Police Department has done to reduce gun violence in the city.
"He knows firsthand how important gun violence prevention laws are," Blumenthal said.
Connecticut has many progressive gun reform laws that should be adopted nationwide, Spagnolo said, including legislation on background checks, gun possession requirements, processes in place to protect those who may harm themselves with firearms and protections for victims of domestic violence.
Federal solutions to reduce gun violence, Spagnolo said, will also help Connecticut and other states with strong gun laws because of guns crossing state lines illegally.
"When those guns end up in the hands of prohibited persons, my biggest fear is the men and women that work for me have to face these people each and every day, and more importantly, they make our community much less safer," he said, adding that support is needed on a federal level.
According to Blumenthal, Spagnolo will be testifying to represent the law enforcement perspective. The Senate Judiciary Committee will also be considering public health and community-based approaches throughout the hearings.
"We know that thoughts and prayers are welcome, but they're not enough," Blumenthal said. "We need action."