Missouri Moms Demand Action, Everytown Respond to Fatal Shooting of a Police Officer in Clinton

CLINTON, Mo. – The Missouri chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today released the following statement after a Clinton police officer was killed in a shooting late Sunday night while conducting a traffic stop in Clinton, Missouri. Authorities have identified the slain officer as Officer Gary Michael.

According to Everytown for Gun Safety research, there have been at least 107 shootings of police officers in America this year. In those incidents, 24 officers have been killed and an additional 104 have been injured. Missouri no longer requires a permit or safety training to carry hidden, loaded handguns in public. Law enforcement officials had urged legislators to keep the state’s permit requirement in place, but lawmakers removed the requirement last year amid intense pressure from the gun lobby.

STATEMENT FROM BECKY MORGAN, VOLUNTEER CHAPTER LEADER WITH THE MISSOURI CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“Last night, an officer in our community was shot and killed while he was doing his job. Our hearts are with Officer Michael’s family during this devastating time. Missouri law enforcement officers too often have to put their lives on the line for public safety. Last night’s shooting serves as a reminder that we can and should do more to help reduce gun violence in our state.”