Just Weeks After Shooting at MSU, Michigan House Passes Secure Firearms Storage Legislation
LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan chapters of Moms Demand Action and Student Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, released the following statements applauding Michigan House lawmakers for voting to pass House Bill 4144 and Senate Bill 79 to require the secure storage of firearms.
The vote comes just weeks after the horrific shooting at Michigan State University, in which three students were shot and killed, and five others shot and wounded by a shooter who had previously exhibited dangerous warning signs.
“In the wake of one of the worst days of our lives, Michigan students stood up and demanded action from our lawmakers — and they are listening,” said Saylor Reinders, a volunteer with Michigan State University Students Demand Action. “We’re so proud to see our advocacy in action, and we will continue to support our allies in the statehouse as they work to honor victims and survivors with life-saving action. Now is the time to get the job done.”
“Communities across Michigan continue to shoulder the weight of our gun violence crisis every single day,” said Lindsay Warren, a volunteer with the Michigan chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We’re grateful that the Michigan House listened to the pleas of advocates and survivors and moved with urgency to pass this life-saving bill, but we know the work is far from over. We will continue to work with our partners in the legislature to finish the job and get the rest of these common-sense policies across the finish line, because that is how we honor survivors with action.”
In an average year, 1,382 people die and 2,437 are wounded by guns in Michigan. Guns are the leading cause of death among children and teens in Michigan, and an average of 103 children and teens die by guns every year, of which 31% are suicides and 64% are homicides.
More information about gun violence in Michigan is available here.