Candace Towns is at Least the 25th Trans Person Killed Nationwide This Year, 17 of Whom Have Been Shot and Killed, 20 Have Been Trans Women of Color
MACON, CORPUS CHRISTI, Ga. – The Georgia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today released the following statement in response to the shooting death of Candace Towns. While details are still unfolding, reports indicate that Candace was fatally shot and found on Rosecrest Avenue. Reports also indicate that this was not Candace’s first experience with gun violence. In 2009, she survived a gunshot in her ankle a few blocks from where her body was found this week.
Candace is at least the 25th transgender person killed nationwide so far this year. At least 17 of the victims were killed with guns, and 20 victims were women of color. A list compiled by The Advocate of transgender people killed nationwide in 2016 showed that more than half (52 percent) were killed with guns.
STATEMENT FROM LINDSEY DONOVAN, VOLUNTEER CHAPTER LEADER WITH THE GEORGIA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“I am heartbroken and angry that gun violence has taken the life of another trans woman in our state. While we mourn for Candace and her family and friends, this tragedy should also serve as a reminder that gun violence exerts a devastating toll on some of the most marginalized communities in our state. In fact, 2017 is on its way to being the deadliest year on record for the U.S. trans community. We must all call on our elected officials to work together to pass common-sense gun legislation that will make communities in our state safer and reject the gun lobby’s dangerous agenda.”