Moms Demand Action, Students Demand Action Respond to Shooting at Home of Judge Esther Salas

The New Jersey chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, today released the following statement after reports that U.S. District Judge Esther Salas’ son, Daniel, was shot and killed in their North Brunswick home on Sunday. The judge’s husband was also wounded in the shooting.

“We’re horrified by this brazen attack on the family of a public servant, and our thoughts are with the Salas family as they search for answers,” said Krista Caiola, a volunteer with the New Jersey chapter of Moms Demand Action. “No parent should have to bury their child because of gun violence. The gun violence in this country puts all of our families at risk, and we’ll continue to press for stronger gun laws until we’re all safe.”

Judge Esther Salas is the first Hispanic woman to be appointed to the U.S. District Court in New Jersey. According to reports, authorities believe her son and husband were shot by a gunman “dressed as a FedEx delivery man,” and the suspected shooter was found dead today from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

In New Jersey, gun homicide makes up more than half of all gun deaths. Hispanic people account for 15 percent of gun homicides in the state. Read more about gun violence in New Jersey here.