RECAP: Springfield native, John Legend, visits Oregon District

Springfield native, John Legend, visited the Dayton Oregon District last Sunday to show his support after the mass shooting that killed nine people and injured dozens.

Before Legend spoke at a press conference with Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, he toured the Oregon District and shopped at Heart and Beck + Call for children’s clothing.

“We’re tired of bigotry and pain turning legal because of easy access to guns,” Legend said during the press conference. “We can do better and we must do better.”

Legend recalled a shooting in Australia that resulted in a change of gun laws and then a decrease of gun violence.

“This is possible here too,” said Legend. “We’re not some distinct species of humans that can’t stop shooting each other. But we put too many guns in too many people’s hands and when you put that much death and destruction in someone’s hands, somebody’s going to die.”

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America has more guns than people, which logically does not make sense, according to Legend.

He wants America to prevent shootings from happening in the first place and encouraged fighting for common-sense gun legislation.

“Lets make sure that we’re protecting our kids, so they don’t have to grow up in an environment where they’re having active shooter drills at school and worried about every time they enter a public place,” said Legend. “Let’s do something about this. It’s time to start acting.”

At the end of the press conference, Whaley allowed the audience to ask questions.

PHOTOS: John Legend visits Dayton Oregon District

A local reporter asked Legend about being an Ohio native and the shooting hitting home.

Legend responded, “Oh, it hits home, absolutely. Its gotta hit home every time it happens because we have to see each other’s humanity no matter where we live and no matter where these incidents happen. They’re happening all over the country. Last weekend it was right here in our own backyard, but next weekend it could be somewhere else.”

“We just have to say enough is enough,” said Legend.

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