At Least Eight Transgender People Killed This Year, Five by Gun Violence
2017 Was the Deadliest Year on Record for Transgender People in the U.S. With at Least 28 Killed Nationwide, 20 of Whom Were Shot and Killed; 24 Were Trans Women of Color
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – The Connecticut chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, released the following statement in response to the shooting of a trans woman in Bridgeport Wednesday afternoon. According to reports the woman — who has yet to be identified — was shot multiple times, including once in the jaw, but is in stable condition at a local hospital. The investigation is still ongoing, but a spokesperson for the Bridgeport Police indicated she may have known the suspect.
While this incident was non-fatal, there have been at least eight transgender woman killed nationwide this year and five of them were shot and killed by a firearm. 2017 was the deadliest year on record for the transgender community in the United States, with at least 28 trans homicides. Twenty-four of the victims were trans women of color and 20 were killed with a gun.
STATEMENT FROM KARA BAEKEY, VOLUNTEER LEADER WITH THE CONNECTICUT CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the victim, as well as the entire LGBTQ community. We cannot accept senseless gun violence in our state, especially when it often disproportionately affects marginalized communities. Clearly there is still work that needs to be done to keep every individual in our community safe.”