Sudanese Refugee who Lost Son to Gun Violence in Colorado to be Congressman Crow’s Guest at State of the Union

Congressman Jason Crow will be joined by Mary Majok of metro Denver at the State of the Union on Tuesday. Ms. Majok's son, Potros Mabany, was killed in Aurora in March 2018 by gun violence. He was 21 years old.

"Mary fled a brutal civil war to provide a better world for her children, only to lose her son to gun violence in the United States. The death of Potros is heartbreaking and underscores the impact of gun violence on so many families in America today. We stand as a beacon of hope and freedom throughout the world, and yet on our own streets thousands are killed each year by gun violence," said Crow. "In so many ways, Mary's story is that of our district. We are a community of immigrants, our neighborhoods made richer by those who have come here to build better lives. Yet, at the same time, we have faced the horror and heartbreak of gun violence. It's time that we all stand up to build an inclusive and safe community for everyone."

"My son was a strong, young, handsome man who worked hard and played college football. His death leaves me heartbroken and I wish no mother to ever experience my pain. I hope to use my visit to the State of the Union as a chance to tell Potros' story and prevent something like this from ever happening again," said Mary Majok.

A parent and former Army Ranger, Crow has been an outspoken advocate for gun violence prevention legislation. A co-sponsor of H.R. 8, the bipartisan universal background checks bill, Crow is also the Vice Chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force.

Read more about the Mabany family resettlement in Colorado from The Denver Post.