Rep. Tammy Duckworth State of the Union guest: Denise Reed, Gun violence victim

WASHINGTON–Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) guest for the State of the Union address on Tuesday night is Denise Reed, whose daughter, Starkesia, was shot to death in Chicago at the age of 14.

From Duckworth: “Denise Reed is a founding member of Purpose Over Pain, an organization committed to the relentless pursuit of solutions to gun violence. State Senator Dan Katowski recommended that Duckworth invite Reed as a way to further the debate on gun violence.

“I am inspired by Denise Reed’s courage in sharing her story and proud to have her with me on Tuesday to stand against the tragic shootings that have taken place in Newtown, Chicago and throughout our country,” said Duckworth. “We cannot wait on the sidelines while children like Starkesia are needlessly taken away from their families. My colleagues and I must show the same determination and bravery as Mrs. Reed in demanding common sense reforms that will help protect our children.”