Florida Moms Demand Action, Everytown Respond to Mass Shooting at SunTrust Bank in Sebring

Authorities Report That at Least Five People Were Shot and Killed, Suspect Is in Custody

SEBRING, Fla. – The Florida chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, released the following statement in response to reports of a mass shooting at SunTrust Bank in Sebring, Florida. Highland County Sheriff Paul Blackman reported that at least five people were shot and killed after being taken hostage by the shooter in the bank. The suspected shooter was taken into custody on the scene.

Research by Everytown for Gun Safety shows that this appears to be the first mass shooting of 2019. This is at least the 193rd mass shooting since January 2009. Everytown defines mass shootings as those in which four or more people are shot and killed, excluding the shooter.

STATEMENT FROM GAY VALIMONT, VOLUNTEER LEADER WITH THE FLORIDA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“I am heartbroken to hear about the shooting at SunTrust Bank, yet another reminder of the reality that no space in America is safe from the threat of gun violence. While we mourn for the lives taken from us today, we must also recommit to taking action to make our state safer. We will keep the victims of this senseless shooting in our hearts as we fight for stronger gun laws to keep our families safe.”