In January 2009, 12 people were arrested while participating in nonviolent direct action to pressure Colosimo's Gun Center to sign a Code of Conduct for Responsible Gun Dealers. Following several weeks of discussion between the gun shop owner and a delegation of local religious leaders, these 12 individuals went to the store to once again ask the owner to sign the code. They remained there waiting for his agreement, and were arrested.
They were charged with a variety of crimes, including misdemeanor trespass, misdemeanor disorderly conduct, blocking a sidewalk and criminal conspiracy. They spent between 12 and 27 hours in jail before being released. The defendants include community advocates from Camden and Philadelphia, ordained Christian clergy from 3 denominations and a Jewish rabbi.
On Tuesday, May 26th, please stand with us to send a dramatic signal on behalf of the young people that suffer most from this epidemic of violence. They've lost friends and siblings, they've lost hope. We need to show that we are willing to risk, to sacrifice, to struggle for ourselves, for them and with them.
8:00 AM Vigil of support, remembrance and prayer for the defendants and for the children and all whose lives are threatened and hearts are numbed in the face of the killing in our communities (Arch Street United Methodist Church, 55 N. Broad St)
9:00 AM Court opens, please come when you can for as long as you can (Room 1003 in the Criminal Justice Center at 13th & Filbert)
12:30 PM Rally - Inspiring HOPE, Raising VOICES, Taking ACTION!
(Dilworth Plaza, 15th & Market Sts. West side of City Hall)
Afternoon: Trial reconvenes
Event organized by Heeding God's Call.
