CLEVELAND — The Ohio chapter of Moms Demand Action, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today released the following statement regarding the fatal shooting of a trans woman in Cleveland last week. Although details are still unfolding, reports state that Phylicia Mitchell was shot and killed outside her home.
Phylicia is at least the sixth transgender woman killed nationwide so far this year and is the third to be killed by gun violence. 2017 was the deadliest year on record for the transgender community in the United States, with at least 28 trans homicides. Twenty four of the victims were women of color and 20 were killed with a gun.
STATEMENT FROM MAUREEN WASHOCK, VOLUNTEER LEADER WITH THE OHIO CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“We are horrified that yet again another Black trans woman has been shot and killed — at least the sixth this year. My thoughts go out to the family and friends of Phylicia Mitchell and the LGBTQ community in Cleveland. While our country continues to rally together for common-sense gun legislation after the tragedy in Parkland, we must also remember the disproportionate impact gun violence has on marginalized communities in America. Together, we can work towards building a safer country that prioritizes public safety for all Americans.”
