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ATLANTA – The Georgia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, released the following statement in response to a shooting by campus police officers on the Georgia Institute of Technology’s campus that left 21-year-old engineering student and LGBTQ activist, Scout Schultz, dead. Schultz was president of the Georgia Tech’s Pride Alliance.
Although details are still unfolding, police encountered Schultz after someone called 911 to report “a person with a knife and a gun,” according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. In a video taken by a witness, Schultz, who was reportedly holding a multi-tool that included a small knife blade, can be heard yelling “shoot me” at police, as they gave orders to drop the tool. Schultz stepped towards the officers and was shot once.
While the initial 911 call allegedly reported that Schultz was carrying a gun, no gun was found on them following the shooting. In May, Governor Deal signed legislation making it legal for permit holders to carry guns on Georgia campuses.
STATEMENT FROM LINDSEY DONOVAN, VOLUNTEER CHAPTER LEADER WITH THE GEORGIA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“I am heartbroken and horrified at the news of the shooting death of LGBTQ activist Scout Schultz. Our hearts are aching for the family and friends of those affected by this preventable tragedy, as well as the entire Georgia Tech community. We cannot ignore the threat that marginalized communities face every day. And although details are still emerging about Saturday night’s shooting, we know that the decision of the legislature and governor to allow guns on campuses complicates situations like this one and makes law enforcement’s job more challenging, sometimes with tragic consequences. The right to feel safe at school should be enjoyed by everyone.”