Pennsylvania Moms Demand Action, Everytown Respond to Mass Shooting at Pittsburgh Synagogue, An Apparent Hate Crime

Everytown Research on Gun Hate Crimes Available Here

PITTSBURGH – The Pennsylvania chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, released the following statements in response to reports of a mass shooting Saturday at the Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha Congregation in Pittsburgh. A suspect, who reportedly yelled “all Jews must die” as he opened fire, is in custody.

Research by Everytown for Gun Safety shows that this is at least the 192nd mass shooting since January 2009, and the 16th mass shooting this year. Everytown defines mass shootings as those in which four or more people are shot and killed, excluding the shooter.

STATEMENT FROM JOHN FEINBLATT, PRESIDENT OF EVERYTOWN FOR GUN SAFETY:

“The people of Pittsburgh, especially the Jewish community, can count on Everytown’s full support as they grapple with the horrific shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue. As the congregation’s leader, Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, wrote this summer, ‘we deserve better’ when it comes to our nation’s gun laws. We stand with the families of the victims and survivors as they grieve, but we must also honor them with action. Some will say it’s too soon to talk about solutions to gun violence, but for the families attacked while worshiping, it’s already too late.”

STATEMENT FROM JENNA PAULAT, A VOLUNTEER LEADER WITH THE PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“Our thoughts are with the Tree of Life congregation and everyone touched by this horrific shooting. We should all be free to worship without fear of gun violence – this is truly outrageous and heartbreaking.

“Gun violence leaves nearly 100 people dead every day in this country and hundreds more wounded, and today’s brazen attack on worshippers is a reminder of how much more we must do to address this crisis. While we wait for further details, one thing is certain: Hate armed with a gun is deadly.”