The Pennsylvania chapter of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots networks, released the following statement in response to a shooting behind Roxborough High School in which one child was shot and killed, and four others shot and wounded. According to reports, there were two shooters who ambushed the students and fired at least 70 shots. While the investigation is still unfolding, the students were members of the Roxborough High School football team who were walking off the field after a scrimmage.
“Our schools are not battlegrounds,”said Avery Hamill, a volunteer with Students Demand Action in Pennsylvania and member of the Students Demand Action National Advisory Board. “When the school day ends, we shouldn’t have to worry about being shot in our communities. There is a gun violence epidemic in Pennsylvania and lawmakers must step up to keep us safe so that we can focus on learning, not surviving.”
“My heart goes out to their families and loved ones,” said Andi Langford Snyder, a volunteer with the Pennsylvania chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We cannot accept this as the norm, we have to work urgently and collaboratively to reduce gun violence in our schools and communities. Our kids deserve to learn and to play without the fear of being shot.”
In an average year in Pennsylvania, 1,628 people die by guns, and 1,992 more are wounded by guns. Gun violence costs Pennsylvania $21.7 billion each year, of which $470.7 million is paid by taxpayers. More information on gun violence in Pennsylvania is available here.
