Washington, DC – Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) will join a team of 26 gun violence prevention advocates riding from Newtown, Conn., to Washington, D.C., on the first leg of their trip from Newtown to Ridgefield on Saturday. Himes, along with Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) and Senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal, will kick-off the ride in Newtown at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, hold a similar event in Ridgefield, and then welcome the riders to Washington on Tuesday. Complete details are below.
“I am inspired by these cyclists and their commitment to this cause, but I’m more than a little worried that my inspiration will be enough to push me up all the hills between Newtown and Ridgefield,” Himes said. “Whether or not I’m left in the dust Saturday, I look forward to welcoming the Sandy Hook Riders to Washington on Tuesday and working with them and the many other dedicated advocates to reduce gun violence.”
The Sandy Hook Ride on Washington aims to memorialize those senselessly killed at the Sandy Hook School by raising awareness about the immediate need for gun safety legislation. Three members of the riding team are from Newtown, including Monte Frank, Bill Muzzio, and Chris Peck. Two of the riders have children who went to the Sandy Hook School and the team includes parents, teachers, a Newtown Police Officer and a Vietnam Veteran. Throughout the journey, the riders will be accompanied by a Newtown police motorcycle with stops in cities and towns along the way.
Kick-Off Rally in Newtown
WHO: Sandy Hook Riders, Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, Representatives Jim Himes and Elizabeth Esty, First Selectman Pat Llodra
WHAT: Sandy Hook Rides Kick-Off Event
WHEN: Saturday, March 9 at 8:30 a.m.
WHERE: Reed Intermediate School , 3 Trades Lane, Newtown
Bicycle Ride from Sandy Hook to Newtown
WHO: Sandy Hook Riders, Congressman Jim Himes
Press Conference in Ridgefield
WHO: Sandy Hook Riders, Congressman Himes, First Selectman Rudy Marconi
WHAT: Press Conference on Sandy Hook Rides and gun violence prevention
WHEN: Saturday, March 9 at 11:00 a.m.
WHERE Veterans’ Park Elementary School, 8 Governor Street, Ridgefield
Press Conference in Washington, DC
WHO: Sandy Hook Riders, Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, Representatives Jim Himes and Elizabeth Esty
WHAT: Press Conference concluding Sandy Hook Rides and rally for gun violence prevention
WHEN: Tuesday, March 12 at 1:00 p.m.
WHERE West Front Lawn of U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC
For more information on the rally, the riders and the four-day Sandy Hook Ride on Washington, please call Josh Zecher at 202-463-0013, ext. 206, email him at josh.zecher@463.com or check the ride’s Facebook page.