Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona addressed gun safety issues at a town hall in Charleston, South Carolina, alongside his wife, former Representative Gabby Giffords. The event took place on the 10-year anniversary of the Mother Emanuel AME church mass shooting, where nine people were killed by a white supremacist.
According to Politico, the timing of Kelly’s appearance was particularly significant, coming shortly after the recent attack on Minnesota lawmakers. The incident, which left House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband dead and another lawmaker and his spouse critically wounded, has put political leaders on edge.
When asked if she ever wanted to give up on her work to end gun violence, Giffords responded with a firm “No way, Jose!” She added that she hopes others are inspired to keep moving forward, regardless of circumstances. Giffords, who survived a shooting attack in 2011 that occurred in her congressional district, continues to advocate for stricter gun laws alongside her husband.
Recent political violence puts the spotlight on the gun control debate
Kelly highlighted the urgent need for gun reform, stating that current gun laws have loopholes “you can drive a truck through.” He emphasized that the United States stands out “in the worst of ways” among developed nations regarding gun violence.
The vast majority of Americans support commonsense gun laws. Now is the time for Republicans and Democrats to come together and protect our kids.
— Gabrielle Giffords (@GabbyGiffords) June 18, 2025
We have the tools to stop gun violence. It’s up to our leaders to get it done. https://t.co/SXVdKipYuv pic.twitter.com/JqSxTtj970
The senator’s choice of location carries political significance, as South Carolina holds considerable electoral weight due to its early primary status. The state’s Black voters, who make up a substantial portion of Democratic primary voters, played a crucial role in Joe Biden’s 2020 victory.
Kelly’s rising national profile has not gone unnoticed. He was previously considered as a potential running mate for Kamala Harris, and his successful retention of a Democratic Senate seat in Arizona has fueled speculation about future presidential ambitions. His recent appearances alongside other potential White House hopefuls, such as Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, have added to this political discussion.
During the town hall, Kelly stressed the importance of bipartisan cooperation in addressing gun violence, citing the recent legislation signed by President Biden that strengthened background checks and provided mental health resources. He concluded by expressing frustration with current gun laws, stating that Congress and state legislatures bear responsibility for not making society safer for children.
