Everytown, West Virginia Moms Demand Action Respond to Murder of 15-Year-Old Child in Charleston

CHARLESTON, W.Va.— The West Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today responded to reports that a 62 year-old white man shot and killed an unarmed 15-year-old black child in Charleston after a verbal altercation. The alleged killer was reportedly not permitted to have a gun due to a previous domestic violence crime. Federal prosecutors are looking into whether the case may be a hate crime.

STATEMENT FROM REBECCA RECCO, VOLUNTEER WITH THE WEST VIRGINIA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION:

“Monday night’s killing of a 15-year-old black child by an older white man in Charleston was unspeakably horrific. It is yet another reminder that when guns end up in the hands of people filled with hate, the results can be deadly. West Virginians must come together to disarm hate and to end gun violence. Our prayers are with the family and friends of the boy whose life was ended by a hateful man who should never have had a gun in the first place. We will continue to fight for policies that keep guns away from dangerous people. We will continue to work to protect the lives of our children from such vicious hatred.”