As Gun Violence in Missouri Continues, Moms Demand Action Urges Missouri Lawmakers to Act

After reports of a deadly shooting overnight at a gas station in Springfield, the Missouri chapter of Moms Demand Action, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today released the following statement urging lawmakers to act. Sunday night’s shooting was the latest in a state that sees more than 1,100 gun deaths every year.

Sunday night’s shooting comes as cities and community groups across Missouri continue to fight daily gun violence, including in Kansas City, where two people were killed and 17 wounded in one February shooting, and in St. Louis, where one two-day period left seven people dead. More information about gun violence in Missouri is available here, and more information about gun violence in cities is available here.

“Missouri has the fifth highest rate of gun deaths in the country,” said Tara Johnson, volunteer with the Missouri chapter of Moms Demand Action. “When will our lawmakers wake up and act on the common-sense gun safety measures Missourians are demanding?”

Instead of working to pass gun safety policies that have been proven to prevent gun violence in other states, including legislation to help keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers, lawmakers have spent this legislative session advancing bills that would make it illegal for Missouri state and local law enforcement to assist in the enforcement of federal public safety laws and several bills to allow more guns in public spaces.

More about the Dangerous Bills Missouri Lawmakers are Advancing and Their Implications: 

• HB 1637 and HB 2150: Would make it illegal for Missouri state and local law enforcement to assist in the enforcement of federal public safety laws. Passed the House General Laws Committee.
• SB 588: Would seek to nullify the enforcement of federal public safety laws in Missouri. Passed the Senate Transportation and Public Safety Committee.

• HB 1961: Would make the dangerous practice of arming teachers and other school staff more prevalent in Missouri, putting more children at risk of gun violence in schools. Passed the House General Laws committee and heads to the floor next.
  
• HB 1638 and HB 2056: Would allow more guns in sensitive areas like college campuses, K-12 schools, bars, daycare centers, and courthouses. Placed in the House General Laws committee.