LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Kentucky chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, released the following statement in response to a mass shooting in Louisville, Kentucky this morning. Details are still developing but according to reports, gunfire broke out at Old National Bank downtown, leaving at least four people dead and eight others wounded, including two police officers who responded to the scene.
“As we still reel from a mass shooting in Nashville, we’re forced to confront another mass shooting in Louisville as the drumbeat of gun violence continues across the country,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “Americans are fed up with the status quo of shooting after shooting, and are demanding lawmakers at every level of government take action to stop this senseless violence.”
“Our hearts are with all those impacted in this horrific mass shooting and the entire Louisville community,” said Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action. “Unfortunately when we allow guns everywhere, for anyone with no questions asked, nowhere is safe from this gun violence epidemic. We cannot and will not accept this reality. Our lawmakers must take action to keep us safe.”
“We can’t keep accepting this as normal: news of another mass shooting breaking while we’re still mourning the lives taken in another,” said Connie Coartney, a volunteer with the Kentucky chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Our hearts break for the Louisville community, the first responders, and everyone else impacted by yet another senseless act of gun violence in America. While we grieve for those killed or wounded today, we know that thoughts and prayers aren’t enough. We will continue to demand our lawmakers meet this tragic moment with the urgency and action it requires.”
Despite the fact that Kentucky has some of the weakest gun laws and the 14th highest rate of gun deaths in the country, state lawmakers have failed to take any life-saving action and have instead actively worked to weaken the state’s existing laws. Just last month, the state legislature passed a dangerous nullification bill which seeks to undermine federal firearm laws, making it illegal for any public officer or employee of the state, including state and local law enforcement officers, to assist with the enforcement of new federal gun laws or regulations that would help keep Kentucky safe. A similar law in Missouri was struck down by a federal court last month.
In an average year in Kentucky, 823 people die by guns. Gun violence costs Kentucky $9.6 billion each year. More information on gun violence in Kentucky is available here.
If you would like to speak with a local Moms Demand Action or Students Demand Action volunteer or a policy expert, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
