CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – The Texas chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today released the following statement in response to the shooting death of Stephanie Montez. Although details are still unfolding, news reports indicate that Stephanie was fatally shot in the chest, abdomen and shoulder. Her body was found on County Road 61 near Robstown.
Stephanie Montez is at least the 24th transgender person killed nationwide so far this year. At least 16 of the victims were killed with guns, and 19 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 DR. CAMILLE GRAHAM, VOLUNTEER WITH THE TEXAS CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“I am so angry to learn that yet another trans woman has been shot and killed in Texas. My deepest condolences go out to Stephanie’s friends and family during this difficult time. While details are still unfolding, we are reminded that gun violence continues to traumatize some of the most marginalized people in our country. It is beyond time for our lawmakers to stand up and work towards passing common-sense gun legislation, to protect all Americans, regardless of who they are. Too many lives are on the line.”
