CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The North Carolina chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today responded to reports that a transwoman was shot and killed in Charlotte on Tuesday. According to reports, Derricka Banner was shot and killed in her vehicle early Tuesday morning. Police have announced that they have a suspect in custody.
Derricka Banner is at least the 21st transgender person killed nationwide so far this year. At least 14 of the victims were killed with guns, and 18 victims were women of color. A list compiled by The Advocate of transgender people killed nationwide in 2016 showed that more than half (52 percent) were killed with guns.
STATEMENT FROM CHRISTY CLARK, VOLUNTEER CHAPTER LEADER THE NORTH CAROLINA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“I am angry that yet again another black transwoman has become the victim of a heinous gun crime. My thoughts go out to Derricka’s family and friends, as well as to the LGBTQ community in North Carolina. We can no longer afford to ignore just how much of a threat gun violence is to so many marginalized communities in our state, as well as our entire country. Public safety is a right that should be enjoyed by all Americans, and not just some.”
