Incident is at Least 14th Mass Shooting Nationally in 2016 – and at Least the 155th Since 2009; Gun Violence by the Numbers (and Visuals) Available Here
SEATTLE – The Washington chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today released the following statements in response to a mass shooting last night at the Cascade Mall in Burlington. The gunman – still at large – shot and killed four women and one man while they were shopping at a Macy’s in the mall.
This incident is at least the 14th mass shooting of 2016 across the U.S., and the 155th since January 2009. It is the second mass shooting in Washington State this year, following a February domestic violence shooting in Belfair, and the sixth in the state since January 2009.
Everytown’s research and analysis of mass shootings is available here.
STATEMENT FROM MARCIA CORNER, A VOLUNTEER WITH THE WASHINGTON CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“I am heartbroken and outraged at the news of the five lives taken last night by a senseless act of gun violence. While details are still unfolding, my heart goes out to the families and friends of those killed while they were simply shopping at the mall. Washingtonians have a right to enjoy a carefree evening, not worried about being gunned down while shopping for clothes. We must do more to keep our communities safe – whether that’s at a shopping mall, at a school or at a park. As we come together to grieve, we must also come together to take action. We can do more to help reduce gun violence and to protect our families.”
STATEMENT FROM JANE WEISS, WHOSE NIECE VERONIKA WEISS WAS SHOT AND KILLED IN THE MAY 2014 SHOOTING IN ISLA VISTA, CALIFORNIA. JANE IS A VOLUNTEER WITH THE WASHINGTON CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA AND MEMBER OF THE EVERYTOWN SURVIVOR NETWORK:
“Today, my heart is with the families of those shot and killed while shopping last night in Burlington. I’ve gotten the call that a loved one is never coming home – there is nothing that prepares you for that moment. But we can’t sit idly by and allow gun violence to take over our lives. We should absolutely feel safe while shopping at a mall with friends. And, that’s why in the midst of my own tragedy, I decided to share my voice in support of common-sense gun safety laws to help protect our communities. We can and we must do better for our families.”