At Least Two People Shot and Killed, 28 Others Shot and Wounded, Including Three Critically, at Baltimore, Maryland Block Party; Everytown, Moms Demand Action, Students Demand Action Respond 

The Shooting Comes As Communities Across the Country Prepare to Celebrate July Fourth

BALTIMORE — The Maryland chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, released the following statements in response to a mass shooting last night in Baltimore, Maryland. While details are still emerging, reports indicate at least two people were shot and killed and 28 others were shot and wounded, three critically. The shooting arrives as communities across the country are preparing to celebrate the July Fourth holiday. 

In addition to the tragedy in Baltimore, a shooting occurred in a Wichita, Kansas nightclub early this morning that left seven people shot and wounded and two others injured upon being trampled as people fled. These horrific acts of gun violence come as the nation approaches the one year mark of the mass shooting at a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois during which seven people were shot and killed and 48 others were shot and wounded.

“Here in Maryland, we are devastated for everyone who was impacted by last night’s gun violence,” said Melissa Ladd, a volunteer with the Maryland chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Block parties and holiday celebrations should be fun, welcoming, and safe spaces for communities to come together, but instead families are being ripped apart due to easy access to firearms. We refuse to accept this as normal, and we will do everything in our power to honor those survivors with action.” 

“What should be a celebratory weekend in this country has once again become one filled with devastation and heartbreak,” said Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action. “As we grieve for all those impacted and their families, we must remember that when nowhere is safe from gun violence in this country, people are not free, even on Fourth of July weekend.”

So far this year, there have been 338 mass shootings in America. In an average year in Maryland, 796 people die by guns and 1,363 people are wounded. Gun violence costs Maryland $10.5 billion each year. More information on gun violence in Maryland is available here. Journalists covering gun violence in America this weekend are encouraged to refer to this set of recommendations in their reporting. If you are interested in speaking with a Maryland Moms Demand Action or Students Demand volunteer, or a policy expert please reach out to [email protected].