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Father of teen shot in Kalamazoo speaks at gun violence press conference

Posted at 5:42 PM, Jun 20, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-20 18:37:19-04

A strong message from our leaders was sent today at a press conference about stopping gun violence.

The press conference featured Rep. Debbie Dingell, Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry Clayton and Gene Kopf, the father of 14-year-old Abigail Kopf who was shot in the Kalamazoo shooting spree.

"I challenge the U.S. to develop the lowest rate of gun violence of any country in the next decade," Kopf said. "Not because it's easy, but because it's hard."

Kopf said Abigail is doing as well as she can, but there are still a lot of complications and she has a long road for recovery ahead of her.

Groups like Moms Demand Action were also on hand for the start of gun safety week.

In addition to passing out gun locks, Dingell also focused on the incredible need for gun safety and for people to keep guns out of the hands of those who mean to do harm.