DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today responded to reports that two Des Moines police officers were shot and killed early this morning in separate “ambush style attacks” sitting in their respective patrol cars.

The New York Times reported that these killings were the first time Des Moines police officers were shot and killed in the line of duty since 1977. According to Everytown for Gun Safety research, including last night, this year there have been at least 182 assaultive shootings of police officers in America. Of those, 47 officers died and 188 were injured.

STATEMENT FROM AMBER GUSTAFSON, VOLUNTEER CHAPTER LEADER WITH THE IOWA CHAPTER MOMS DEMAND ACTION:

“First and foremost, my heart goes out to the families of the officers and the entire Des Moines community which have been rocked by the tragic events this morning. Although details are still unfolding, these shootings are a cruel and violent attack on our law enforcement and our community—which fell victim to our nation’s culture of gun violence and easy access to firearms. As we learn more about the details surrounding these horrific acts, we know one thing for sure: we must continue to take action to help reduce gun violence in America and to support the law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe. We invite all Iowans to join us in demanding that our political leaders take action to reduce gun violence in all of its forms, in all of our communities.”