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Moms Demand Action, Gun Violence Survivor, Everytown Respond to Mass Shooting at Santa Fe High School

5.18.2018

Reports Indicate Multiple People Were Killed; At Least the 184th Mass Shooting Since January 2009

SANTA FE, Texas – The Texas chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today responded to news of a fatal shooting at Santa Fe High School in Santa Fe, Texas. While details are still unfolding, reports indicate multiple fatalities and injuries. At least one suspected shooter is in custody.

Research by Everytown for Gun Safety shows that this is at least the 184th mass shooting since January 2009, and at least the eighth mass shooting this year. Since January 2009, Texas has experienced at least 20 mass shootings – more than any other state in the country. Everytown defines mass shootings as those in which four or more people are shot and killed, excluding the shooter.

STATEMENT FROM ALANNA MILLER, VOLUNTEER WITH STUDENTS DEMAND ACTION AND HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR IN SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS:

“I shouldn’t have to fear for my life when I go to class, but that’s now my reality. My heart is with the Santa Fe High School victims and community, as well as with the hundreds of school communities that have experienced school shootings before, and are retraumatized on days like today. Students deserve to feel safe in our classrooms. On days like today, I’m reminded how much adults have failed to protect us. Every American has to step up and fight for gun safety – this is horrifying and unacceptable.”

STATEMENT FROM ASHLEY CECH, WHOSE MOTHER YVONNE CECH SURVIVED THE MASS SHOOTING AT SANDY HOOK SCHOOL ON DECEMBER 14, 2012. ASHLEY IS SURVIVOR PROGRAM ASSOCIATE AT EVERYTOWN FOR GUN SAFETY AND A MEMBER OF THE EVERYTOWN SURVIVOR NETWORK:

“Once again, in a place where students and educators should be focused on learning, gunfire is erupting. Instead of getting excited for summer break, the community is now planning funerals, mourning deaths and coping with the injuries of their friends and loved ones. My heart goes out to the entire Santa Fe community, who now know the unparalleled pain of being affected by the gun violence that tragically impacts Americans every day. Enough is enough. It’s time for America to wake up and stop this senseless and reckless scourge of gun violence.”

STATEMENT FROM SHANNON WATTS, FOUNDER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“Our children have become collateral damage in a nation that allows its gun laws to be written by gun lobbyists. I am devastated for the Santa Fe community, and for the families whose worst fear has become a reality. And I am outraged by the lack of action from too many lawmakers who do nothing to stop this school shootings crisis. We don’t have to live like this, and our children shouldn’t die like this. Lawmakers must act immediately to address gun violence. If they fail to do so, it is on every American parent to use their voices and their votes to throw them out of office.”