More mayors pledge to fight illegal guns

NEW YORK --Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino said Sunday that 37 more mayors have signed on to fight illegal guns, joining the 15 who convened in New York in April for the first Mayors Summit on Illegal Guns.

At the April 25 summit, the mayors signed a six-point resolution to combat gun violence and said they hoped to put pressure on the federal government and state legislatures to strengthen anti-gun laws.

New additions to the coalition include Mayor Richard Daley of Chicago, Mayor Shirley Franklin of Atlanta, Mayor Martin O'Malley of Baltimore, Mayor Bill White of Houston and Mayor Manuel Diaz of Miami.

"The fight against illegal guns is not rooted in ideology or partisanship, but in our most fundamental responsibility -- enforcing the law and protecting the people we serve," Bloomberg said in a statement. "It's a national problem that requires national leadership, and that's why were taking the fight across state lines and building a coalition of leaders who understand firsthand the devastation of gun violence."

Menino added: "I am proud that so many of my fellow mayors from across the country are joining us to send a loud message that we are not going to allow our streets to be overrun with violence and fear. By coming together and working in partnership, we can make each city in our nation a place of safety and peace."