Virginia Moms Demand Action, Everytown Respond to Shooting Death of Transgender Woman in Lynchburg

LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today released the following statement regarding the shooting death of Ebony Morgan. According to reports, Morgan was found with multiple gunshot wounds early Sunday morning. She was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Ebony Morgan at least the sixteenth transgender person killed nationwide so far this year. Fifteen of those victims were trans women of color, and at least ten of the victims were killed with guns. A list compiled by the The Advocate of transgender people killed nationwide in 2016 showed that more than half (52 percent) were killed with guns.

STATEMENT FROM JENNIFER HERRERA, VOLUNTEER CHAPTER LEADER WITH THE VIRGINIA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“As we near the Fourth of July, families and friends across the country are gathering and celebrating what makes this country great. I am so sad for the loved ones of Ebony Morgan, who know a sad truth: gun violence too often ravages our communities making all of us less free and less safe. And gun violence hits most acutely those who are already part of vulnerable and marginalized communities. We must do more to prevent gun violence. This doesn’t have to happen here – or anywhere. We must call on our lawmakers to do more to fight for gun safety laws that can save lives.”