Moms Demand Action Responds to Westgate Shooting in Glendale as Businesses Begin Reopening in Arizona

The Arizona chapter of Moms Demand Action, a part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today released the following statement after a shooting on Wednesday evening at the Glendale Westgate Entertainment District that wounded at least three people:

“No one should have to experience the trauma of gun violence –– not amid a pandemic, and not ever,” said Jennifer Zechlin, a volunteer with the Arizona chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Arizona has some of the weakest gun laws in the country, and last night’s senseless violence is another reminder that gun violence is an urgent problem that must be addressed immediately. We’re keeping everyone affected by last night’s shooting in our thoughts.”

Every day in the U.S., over 100 Americans are killed with guns, and hundreds more are shot and wounded. And in an average year, 284 Arizonans die by gun homicide. 

Here’s more on gun violence in Arizona:

• On average, more than 1,000 people die by gun violence every year in the state.
• In Arizona, gun deaths have increased 13 percent from 2009-2018, compared to an 18 percent increase nationwide. 
• Gun homicide has increased 22 percent, compared to a 19 percent increase nationwide, in the same time period.

Statistics about gun violence in Arizona are available here, and information on how Arizona’s gun laws compare to other states’ overall is available here. To connect with a volunteer with Arizona Moms Demand Action please don’t hesitate to reach out.