Public Health Crisis Rages with Congressional Inaction on Gun Violence
Newtown, CT — Nearly 50 people were shot as gun violence swept the nation this weekend, with multiple-victim shootings in Virginia Beach, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Cleveland. This latest wave of violence underscores the public health crisis that is raging on without Congressional action on prevention nor gun safety. Every day in the U.S., 100 people die from gun violence and 200 more are injured by a firearm.
In response, Nicole Hockley, co-founder and managing director of Sandy Hook Promise and mother of Dylan, who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, issued the following statement:
“I am appalled by the failure of Congress to take action on gun violence. The priority of every elected official should be the safety of our communities, not their seat on Capitol Hill. This fully-preventable epidemic is ripping lives away from families every single day. There are steps we can take right now to save lives and protect our children — like universal background checks, which at least 97% of Americans support, including gun owners. There is simply no excuse for inaction.”
Gun violence and mass shootings continue to rise nationwide. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, gun deaths have hit historic levels. And with record-breaking gun sales, it’s estimated that more than 300,000 guns have been purchased without a background check.
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About the Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund
Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization committed to protecting all children from gun violence in schools, homes, and communities. The SHP Action Fund champions a holistic policy platform that promotes gun safety, youth mental health, and violence prevention education. The organization works at the state and federal level to pass nonpartisan legislation through inclusive partnerships, diverse grassroots education, and community mobilization. It is part of Sandy Hook Promise, founded and led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. Learn more at www.sandyhookpromise.org
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Aimee Thunberg | [email protected] | 646-761-5579