Sacco Attends White House Gun Violence Press Conference

Medford Police Chief Leo Sacco, Jr. was one of several local police chiefs who attended a White House press conference Tuesday urging lawmakers to pass reforms to curb gun violence.

Sacco was invited to attend by Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, who also attended.

Law enforcement officials from across the country attended the press conference where Vice President Joe Biden and Attorney General Eric Holder called for new measures aimed at reducing gun violence.

“It was an honor to join my colleagues as the Vice President and the Attorney General called on Congress to act,” said Koutoujian in a statement. “I believe the common-sense measures offered by President Obama – including requiring background checks for all gun purchases – will make a significant impact toward reducing the incidents of gun violence in this country.”

In addition to Sacco, Natick Police Chief James Hicks and Framingham Police Chief Steven Carl attended from Middlesex County. Also in attendance was Brookline Police Chief Daniel C. O’Leary.

“I was particularly touched today by Vice President Biden’s story of meeting Tuesday morning with family members of the victims of the Newtown tragedy,” said Koutoujian. “It was an emotional reminder that behind the talking points and the partisan rhetoric there are people whose lives have been changed forever by gun violence.”