(WASHINGTON, DC) – Mayor Vincent C. Gray today expressed frustration with the House Judiciary Committee’s attempt to impose concealed handgun legislation on the District of Columbia and said he would work with allies in Congress to stop the move.

“This attempt to force the legalization of concealed handguns on the people of the District without their consent is a blatant attack on our autonomy,” Mayor Gray said. “I am opposed to any bill that would infringe upon the rights of state and local governments, including the right to ensure public safety and fight crime in ways that are best for the residents of their jurisdictions.”