Everytown for Gun Safety, and the Arizona chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown’s grassroots networks, released the following statements after a Drug Enforcement Administration special agent was shot and killed when a passenger opened fire during a routine inspection for illegal substances on an Amtrak train in Tucson. A second agent and a Tucson police officer were also shot and wounded. The shooter was later shot and killed by law enforcement.
“No one should have to worry about gun violence on the train, in the grocery store, at school or anywhere else,” said Rene Friedkin, a volunteer with the Arizona chapter of Moms Demand Action in Tucson. “My heart is with the families who now have an empty chair at the dinner table because of this horrific shooting and the others on the train who now live with this traumatic experience. It’s time to act on gun violence — we have no time to waste.”
In an average year, over 1,000 people die by guns in Arizona, and 1,000 more are wounded. Despite this, earlier this year, Arizona lawmakers further weakened the state’s gun laws by passing a dangerous nullification law, despite widespread opposition from constituents and law enforcement officials. During the legislative session, Moms Demand Action volunteers gathered a petition with over 2,400 signatures urging Governor Ducey to veto the bill.
