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Everytown, Washington Moms Respond to Domestic Violence-Related Mass Shooting in Belfair That Killed Four

2.26.2016

Belfair Incident is Third Mass Shooting Within a Week, At Least the 145th Mass Shooting in America Since 2009

Previous Everytown Research Found More than Half of Mass Shootings are Related to Domestic Violence

SEATTLE – The Washington chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today released the following statement in response to a reported shooting that took place in a Belfair home on Friday. The alleged gunman reportedly shot and killed four people, including two children, before he killed himself.

There have been at least three mass shootings in America within a week, including a domestic violence-related mass shooting in Phoenix on Tuesday and a mass shooting in Kalamazoo on Saturday. The Belfair incident is one of at least 145 mass shootings in America since 2009. A previously released report from Everytown about mass shootings provides a comprehensive analysis of incidents in which four or more people – not including the shooter – are shot and killed. The analysis found that more than half (57 percent) of these mass shooting incidents were related to domestic violence.

STATEMENT FROM CATHY MUNSEN, A VOLUNTEER LEADER WITH THE WASHINGTON CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“First and foremost, my heart goes out to all those who were affected by the horrific mass shooting that happened today. While the details are still unfolding, it again appears that the lives of a yet another family were tragically cut short by a senseless act of gun violence. This incident took place in a home and we know that domestic violence is often a contributor to gun violence in America. In fact, more than half of all mass shootings are related to domestic violence. As we learn more about the details surrounding this horrific act we know one thing for sure: we must continue to take action to help reduce gun violence in America.”

STATEMENT FROM CHERYL STUMBO, A MEMBER OF THE EVERYTOWN SURVIVOR NETWORK WHO SURVIVED THE 2006 SHOOTING AT THE SEATTLE JEWISH FEDERATION:

“My heart breaks for this family. As a fellow Washingtonian and survivor of gun violence, I know all too well the how gun violence forever changes the lives of all the people it affects. The Mason County Sheriff has called this a ‘terrible tragedy’ and it’s exactly that. Gun violence can strike at any time, which is why we need to stand together in putting an end to the daily toll of gun violence in America.”