Shantee Tucker is at Least the 19th Trans Person Killed Nationwide This Year and the 14th Killed by Gun Violence
PHILADELPHIA – The Pennsylvania chapter of Moms Demand Action, a part of Everytown for Gun Safety, released the following statement in response to the shooting death of a transgender woman in Philadelphia yesterday. According to reports, Shantee Tucker, a 30-year-old Black trans woman, was found shot Wednesday on Old York Road. She later died from her injuries. This is third trans woman of color to die from gun violence in the past week across the country.
There have been at least 19 transgender people killed nationwide so far this year, with 14 being killed by gun violence. Of the known trans victims killed with a gun, more than one-third have been women of color. 2017 was the deadliest year on record for the transgender community in the United States, with at least 28 trans homicides. Twenty trans people were killed with a gun last year, and 17 of those shot and killed were trans women of color.
STATEMENT FROM MELISSA CARDEN, VOLUNTEER WITH THE PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“Our condolences go to the friends and family of Shantee Tucker. It’s heartbreaking to see another life senselessly cut short by gun violence. We need action from our communities and our lawmakers in order to improve public safety and better protect communities disproportionately affected by gun violence”