Oklahoma Moms Demand Action, Everytown Respond to Shooting Death of Transgender Woman in Oklahoma City

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today released the following statement in response to the shooting death of Brooklyn BreYanna Stevenson. Although details are still unfolding, reports indicate that Brooklyn was found dead early Monday morning at a motel.
Brooklyn is at least the 27th transgender person killed nationwide, so far this year. At least 19 of the victims were killed with guns, and 23 victims were women of color. 2017 is now the deadliest year on record for the transgender community in the United States. A list compiled by The Advocate of transgender people killed nationwide in 2016 showed that more than half (52 percent) were killed with guns.

STATEMENT FROM NEIL HESTER, VOLUNTEER WITH THE OKLAHOMA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“We are angry and devastated that yet again, gun violence has cut short the life of a trans woman in our country. Our hearts go out to Brooklyn’s family and friends during this difficult time. 2017 is now the deadliest year on record for the transgender community, and that is entirely unacceptable. The time has come for us to disarm hate and pass common-sense gun laws that will protect the most marginalized among us.”