DAYTON — Tormented by mind-scarring memories and questions without answers, Dion Green has dedicated his life after the death of his father and eight other people in a mass shooting to memorializing them and trying to bring helpful change.
Green’s father died in his arms, one of nine people killed by a gunman in the early morning of Aug. 4, 2019 in Dayton. The shooting in the city’s Oregon district also left 17 people injured.
There is a lot of frustration and disappointment as the city marks the first anniversary Tuesday, much of it because of the coronavirus-necessitated safety restrictions and orders that will prevent a large community commemoration.
At-home activities such as a nine-minute remembrance are planned.
But, there is also anger aimed at state leaders who promised residents they would “do something” about gun violence in the wake of the tragedy but have taken little action since then.
Governor Mike DeWine called for immediate action on a package of gun-related legislation he unveiled in the wake of the shootings.
“We cannot afford more inaction as Ohioans continue to die from preventable violence and we owe it the victims, their families and the Dayton community to do something to prevent this from ever happening again. The overwhelming majority of Ohioans want more commonsense gun safety and Republicans have let them down,” said Ohio House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron).
House Democrats have offered up 11 bills concerning firearms safety and Sykes says none of them have been assigned to a committee in the Republican-controlled chamber, which has approved measures widening the rights of gun owners in the state.