Mass Shooting in Philadelphia Underscores Urgent Need for Action on Gun Violence Prevention in Pennsylvania; Moms Demand Action, Students Demand Action Respond 

PHILADELPHIA – Everytown for Gun Safety and its grassroots network, Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, released the following statements in response to a mass shooting near a public transportation bus in Northeast Philadelphia, where 8 teens were shot and injured. While details are still emerging, police have confirmed that it was 8 students who were shot after leaving a nearby high school. Yesterday’s shooting was the 4th gunfire incident on or near the public transit system in as many days. 

“Yesterday’s shooting is absolutely devastating and our hearts are with the injured and their families,” said Cherie Ryans, a survivor and volunteer with the Pennsylvania chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Nobody should live with the constant fear of gunfire in their community – let alone children who are going to and from school. We demand stronger gun laws so that our loved ones can leave the house and come home safely. Our communities and our children can’t wait.” 

“It feels like every day there’s a new headline of young people being gunned down by unnecessary violence,” said Avery Hamill, a volunteer leader with Students Demand Action from Philadelphia. “The fact that multiple shootings have occurred along SEPTA just this week–which has mostly impacted teens–is unacceptable. My generation should be able to ride the bus, go to school, and live our daily lives without having to face the constant threat of gun violence.”

Firearms are the number one cause of death for children and teens in the Commonwealth, and yet progress against gun violence has been stalled in Pennsylvania because the Senate refuses to take up legislation that passed in the House last year. This includes an Extreme Risk law and expanded background check requirement to cover sales of all firearms by unlicensed sellers, which are two critical pieces of legislation that would keep guns out of the hands of those who could pose a danger to others. Earlier this year, Governor Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Davis committed $100 million in funding to support gun violence prevention in the Commonwealth and renewed their calls for the Senate to take up these measures.   

In an average year, 1,713 people die by guns in Pennsylvania and another 1,992 are wounded. Gun violence costs Pennsylvania $21.7 billion each year, of which $470.7 million is paid by taxpayers. More information about gun violence Pennsylvania is available here.