Ohio Moms Demand Action, Everytown Respond to Shooting of a Judge Outside of a Jefferson County Courthouse

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio – The Ohio chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today released the following statement after Ohio Judge Joseph Bruzzese Jr. was wounded in a shooting outside a Steubenville courthouse. The shooting is being described as a “deliberate attack” on the judge. According to preliminary news reports, the suspect approached the judge on his way to the courthouse and shot him at a point-blank range. The man who shot Judge Bruzzese Jr. is reported to be the father of the Steubenville football player convicted of rape in 2012. He was shot and killed at the scene when the judge and a probation officer on site returned fire. Judge Bruzzese is said to be in stable condition and a second suspect is in custody.

Across the country, more than 90 Americans are killed by gun violence every day, and hundreds more are injured. More information about U.S. gun violence is available here.

STATEMENT FROM MAUREEN WOSHOCK, VOLUNTEER WITH THE OHIO CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“We’re outraged by this brazen attack on one of Ohio’s public servants, and our thoughts are with the judge and his family. This morning reminds us that none of us are truly safe from gun violence, which kills more than 90 Americans each day and leaves hundreds more injured. It’s critically important that when our elected officials discuss the future of Ohio gun laws, they seek guidance from law enforcement and public safety experts.”