Missouri Moms Demand Action, Everytown Respond to Unintentional Shooting That Killed 17-Year-Old Boy in Festus

#NotAnAccident Index Reveals There Have Been at Least 171 Unintentional Shootings by Children Nationwide This Year, Resulting in 102 Injuries and 72 Deaths

FESTUS, Mo. – The Missouri chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today issued the following statement in response to reports that a 17-year-old boy was unintentionally shot and killed by a friend of the same age as the two teens handling with a gun they found in a city park.

The shooting occurred as the gun lobby continues to push its extremist agenda of more guns in more places. In fact, Missouri no longer requires a permit or safety training to carry hidden, loaded handguns in public. Last year, law enforcement officials urged legislators to keep the state’s permit requirement in place, but lawmakers removed the requirement.

Missouri is also the only state in recent years to repeal a background check requirement.

STATEMENT FROM BECKY MORGAN, VOLUNTEER CHAPTER LEADER WITH THE MISSOURI CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“This weekend, a young boy in our community was unintentionally shot and killed by a friend while the two handled a gun they found in a city park. My heart goes out to the families who are reeling as a result of this tragedy.

“Over the past few years, we have seen our Missouri state lawmakers roll back safety measures and move our state toward the NRA leadership’s extreme “guns everywhere” agenda, including removing our background check requirement and allowing permitless concealed carry. This is a devestating example of how lax gun laws contribute to a culture of irresponsible gun ownership that can lead to tragedy.

“This is also a sad reminder that unintentional shootings like this one are entirely preventable with responsible gun storage. I hope gun owners and non-gun owners alike in our community will work together to ensure that guns are stored responsibly and kept out of the hands of kids in our community.”

Adults can help prevent unintentional shootings and suicides by children by following the steps laid out in Moms Demand Action’s Be SMART program.