The New York chapters of Moms Demand Action and Student Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots networks, released the following statement responding to reports of a shooting at a subway station in Brooklyn, New York. According to reports so far, at least sixteen people were injured, at least eight people by gunfire. Details are still developing.
“While we wait for more information about this terrible shooting, we are reminded that in today’s America, gun violence can strike anywhere and at any time,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “This tragedy underscores the urgency of Everytown’s work to create a future where the specter of gun violence doesn’t loom over everyday activities like getting on the train and heading to work or school.”
“Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones as we learn more about this unspeakable tragedy,” said Sheffali Welch, a volunteer leader with the New York chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We are once again witnessing the reverberation of gun violence as a New York community moves about their everyday lives — commuting to work or school, meeting friends, running errands. These activities should not make people fear for their lives. While we await more details about this incident, we will continue to work alongside our leaders to end gun violence.”
On Saturday, the New York legislature approved a new state budget that includes over $200 million in gun violence prevention funding, focused partly on community-based violence intervention programs.
In an average year in New York, 870 people die by guns and an additional 2,607 people are wounded. Gun violence costs New York $5.9 billion each year, of which $321 million is paid by taxpayers. More information on gun violence in New York is available here.
