Kansas City Mayor Sly James speaks about gun violence on ‘Nightline’
Kansas City Mayor Sly James appeared Thursday on the ABC television program “Nightline” to discuss gun violence.
The program mentioned research on gun violence and changes in Missouri law that were recently highlighted in a speech by President Barack Obama.
An increase in homicides in recent years amid loosened firearms restrictions in Kansas City was contrasted with a decline in killings under tougher laws in Oakland, Calif.
James was asked about the toll of violence in Kansas City, which in 2015 recorded 109 homicides — the most since 2011. James has often called for more limits on guns in the city.
“There’s too little being done to change it,” James said. “Too many people die, and they don’t have to.”
The program also featured Rosilyn Temple, the leader of Mothers in Charge, a crime prevention and family support group whose members have lost children to homicide.
Ian Cummings: 816-234-4633, @Ian__Cummings
This story was originally published January 7, 2016 at 6:38 PM with the headline "Kansas City Mayor Sly James speaks about gun violence on ‘Nightline’."