Hartford (AP) — Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra are participating in a national effort to end gun violence.

Both are scheduled to appear at Hartford City Hall for a news conference on Thursday morning as part of The National Day to Demand Action, which is organized by the Mayors Against Illegal Guns Coalition.

The coalition is co-chaired by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino.

Organizers said similar events are being held at more than 100 locations across the country. Petition drives and calls to congressional district offices, demanding support for gun laws such as comprehensive background checks, are also planned.

Malloy has often spoken of the need for federal legislation following the deadly Dec. 14 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.