3-year-old boy in serious condition after being shot in the mouth while playing with gun
In response to the reported Lake Stevens, Washington shooting where a 3-year-old boy is in serious condition after being shot in the mouth—reportedly as he and a 4-year-old neighbor played with a gun, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America released the following statement:
While details of this case are still unfolding, research by Everytown for Gun Safety has found that in all, more than two million American children live in homes with unsecured guns—1.7 million of those are loaded and unlocked. The analysis also shows that toddlers aged 2-4 have the highest risk of unintentionally shooting themselves.
STATEMENT FROM LEAH BERNSTEIN, VOLUNTEER WITH THE WASHINGTON STATE CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA
“Our thoughts go out to the families of the children affected by the incident this weekend in Lake Stevens. Children should be safe in the sanctity of their homes and play dates, and the Lake Stevens shooting is a reminder that there is a serious issue with gun responsibility and access to guns in this country. Many parents don’t think their child will be able to find a well-hidden gun, but a Harvard study showed that more than two-thirds of kids under the age of 10 know where their parents keep their guns, even when the parents think they don’t. In Washington state, the recent passage of I-594 was a huge victory for keeping guns out of dangerous hands by expanding background checks for all guns sales, but there is still more we need to do encourage responsible gun ownership and gun safety. When one child shoots another because of an adult gun owner’s negligence, that adult needs to be held accountable. With rights comes responsibilities, and when it come to kids and guns, the onus is always on the adults to be the responsible ones.”
About Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is a grassroots movement of American mothers fighting for public safety measures that respect the Second Amendment and protect people from gun violence. Moms Demand Action campaigns for new and stronger solutions to lax gun laws and loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our children and families. Since its inception after the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Moms Demand Action has established a chapter in every state of the country and along with Mayors Against Illegal Guns is part of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country with more than 2.5 million members and more than 40,000 donors. For more information or to get involved visit www.momsdemandaction.org. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MomsDemandAction or on Twitter at @MomsDemand
