Killing of Congresswoman's Son Back in Spotlight

Rep. Lucy McBath's son was murdered over loud music in a parking lot
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 12, 2019 12:28 PM CST
Congresswoman Shares Letter to Murdered Son
Rep. Lucy McBath, D-Ga.,gets a hug from a staff member after a House Judiciary Committee markup of the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019, on Capitol Hill in Washington.   (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

On Nov. 23, 2012, Lucy McBath's worst fear came true: Her 17-year-old son, Jordan Davis, was shot and killed in a parking lot argument over loud music on the day after Thanksgiving, as he headed out to go Christmas shopping for his friends. The incident was in the national spotlight again Wednesday because McBath is now a Democratic member of Congress, and she referenced her son's death in saying that she would vote for impeachment "with a heavy heart and a grieving soul" to make an America her son would be proud of. It's calling attention to how McBath, who serves a Georgia district, shared a letter to her son on the anniversary of his death last month. "This is always the hardest day of the year for me," she tweeted.

"You and your friends were at a gas station, putting gas into your car. Without warning, a man confronted you and opened fire." The gunman "shot 10 rounds into the car, and sped away," McBath continued. "I didn’t get to hug and kiss you goodbye. You were 17 years old. My heart is still broken." McBath has been a gun control advocate since her son's murder, per the Hill, and her letter explains the transition. After Jordan's killing, McBath struggled with her grief, until "I knew what WE had to do," she wrote. "We would fight to make sure no other families would have to suffer this pain. Jordan, I want you to know I am working to carry out your legacy. We thought you would one day fight for change—and now, together, we are carrying out that vision. (Much more on Jordan's murder here.)

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