WFTV9 - Congress Must 'Disarm Hate,' Val Demings Says at DNC

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By WFTV9

When the Republicans met in Cleveland last week, law and order were the prime topics.

Tuesday evening, the Democrats countered, offering a central Florida candidate with a very different approach to the topic of law and order.

It is one of the first major contrast issues between the two parties: law enforcement.

In Cleveland, Republicans took a hard line, saying, law must come with order.

Tuesday night, the Democrats had their rebuttal.

"While I understand the 'black lives matter' movement, it all centers around treating people with dignity and respect," said Val Demings, (D) Congressional District 10 candidate.

Former Orlando Police Department Chief Val Demings took the stage in Philadelphia, delivering remarks addressing gun violence, use of force, and the need for community engagement from those in law enforcement.

"I know firsthand the tragedy that gun violence inflicts on families in America," she said. "And after 49 people were murdered at a nightclub in Orlando last month, let me tell you: Our city takes it personally that Congress refuses to disarm hate"

Demings tied her stance on gun control to the Pulse nightclub terror attack.

It was a message meant to bridge the perceived gap between "blue lives matter" and "black lives matter."

"I understand the movement, but we've also had five Dallas police officers that were assassinated, three Baton Rouge police officers that were assassinated. So these are real issues that affect real people," Demings said.

"I think if we work together, we can solve those problems," said Florida delegate Chris Kolos.

Kolos said the topic is one Democrats must address, not just for the base, but for independent voters, who are worried about more violence and more deaths on both sides.

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