The Massachusetts chapter of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots networks, released the following statement in response to a shooting in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood. Reports indicate that the shooting began shortly after midnight on August 9, resulting in one woman being killed and five other individuals being wounded.
“Neighborhoods should not have to be described as battlefields by the Bay Staters who live in them,” said Deborah Wornum, a volunteer with the Massachusetts chapter of Moms Demand Action. “They are places where our friends and loved ones should feel safe, not live in fear of gun violence. Monday’s shooting is a tragic reminder that we must continue to fight gun violence in our communities to ensure the safety of our Commonwealth.”
Though Massachusetts has strong gun safety laws, there is more work that can be done to protect Bay Staters from gun violence. Legislators have the opportunity to continue to lead in the gun violence prevention movement by passing legislation that would reduce gun violence this session, and by investing American Rescue Plan funds in community-based violence intervention programs.
In Massachusetts, in an average year, nearly 250 people are shot and killed and over 680 others are wounded by guns. Gun violence costs Massachusetts $1.8 billion each year, of which $92.2 million is paid by taxpayers. More information about gun violence in Massachusetts is available here.