Georgia Moms Demand Action, Everytown Respond to Shooting Death of Transgender Woman in Athens

ATHENS, Ga. – The Georgia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today released the following statement regarding the shooting death of Ava Le’Ray Barrin. According to reports, Barrin was fatally shot during an argument in an Athens apartment parking lot on Sunday morning.

Ava Le’Ray Barrin is the youngest known trans person killed in 2017, and at least the fifteenth transgender person killed nationwide so far this year. Fourteen of those victims were trans women of color, and at least nine of the victims were killed with guns. A list compiled by the The Advocate of transgender people killed nationwide in 2016 showed that more than half (52 percent) were killed with guns.

STATEMENT FROM MARISUE HILLIARD, VOLUNTEER WITH THE GEORGIA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“Once again, the life of a trans woman of color has been tragically cut short by senseless gun violence. My heart goes out to the friends and family of Ava Le’Ray Barrin as they grapple with the trauma of having their loved one killed. Her death reminds us that our lax gun laws are failing the most vulnerable and marginalized communities in our country. Everyday disputes should not escalate to the shooting death of any person – especially a 17-year-old girl. It is past time for our lawmakers to take a stand, and join us in fighting for common-sense gun legislation that will protect all Americans, regardless of who they are.”