HOUSTON – 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 Brandi Seals. According to reports, Brandi was found shot to death in front of a home under construction after witnesses reported hearing several gunshots.
Brandi is at least the 28th transgender person killed nationwide so far this year. At least 20 of the victims were killed with guns, and 24 victims were women of color. 2017 is now the deadliest year on record for the transgender community in the United States. 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 ALEXANDRA CHASSE, VOLUNTEER WITH THE TEXAS CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“Once again, a trans woman of color has been shot and killed in our state. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Brandi Seals during this difficult time. This year is the deadliest year on record for the transgender community, and Texas leads the nation for the most known trans homicides this year. This is entirely unacceptable. It is long past time for our lawmakers to pass common sense legislation that will protect the most marginalized among us and stand up against the gun lobby’s extreme agenda. Too many lives have been cut short. We cannot waste another minute.”
