CHICAGO – Following a September gunshot incident near Bateman Elementary School in Irving Park, state Rep. Jaime Andrade, D-Chicago, is joining residents for a march against gun violence, organized by Peace for the Park, on Oct. 18.

“The outpouring of support after the incident at Bateman has been amazing to watch, and I’m glad to be part of this movement,” Andrade said. “Our community doesn’t let gun violence in our backyard go unanswered, and this march is a first step in building a lasting movement to keep our neighborhoods safe.”

Andrade has sponsored several gun reform measures as a state Representative including the Fix the FOID legislation proposed after a mass shooting in Aurora earlier this year. The legislation would fix loopholes in Illinois’ FOID card system, and allow police to more easily confiscate weapons from people whose FOID cards have been revoked.

The Peace for the Park march will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Bateman Elementary school, located at 4220 N. Richmond St. From there, marchers will walk to Sanabel Bakery at 4213 N. Kedzie Ave, where Andrade and other elected officials and activists will address the crowd. Andrade hopes the community will turn out to show support for their neighbors.

“Knowing that there is the potential for gun violence around our schools has shaken a lot of people. Parents need to have the peace of mind that their kids are safe,” Andrade said. “You can help provide that peace of mind just by showing up Friday and adding your voice to the cause.”