LOS ANGELES — The California chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, issued the following statement in response to reports of four members of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department dying by gun suicide this week. According to First HELP, 83 law enforcement officers have died by suicide this year.
“Our hearts are with the loved ones who are mourning and the entire law enforcement community in Los Angeles,” said Celina Perez, a volunteer with the California chapter of Moms Demand Action. “It’s important to recognize the toll that the work of law enforcement can take on their mental and physical wellbeing. We must continue working to prevent gun suicide and ensure life-saving resources are available and accessible to every Californian.”
Gun suicide claims the lives of nearly 25,000 people in America every year. In California, the rate of gun suicide decreased 6% and gun homicide increased 33% from 2012 to 2021, compared to a 19% increase and 73% increase nationwide, respectively. More information about the intersection of guns and suicide is available here. More information about gun violence in California is available here.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org/chat to chat with a counselor from the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress anywhere in the US.
