The Pennsylvania chapter of Moms Demand Action, part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots networks, released the following statement in response to a shooting inside Philadelphia’s Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. According to reports, a nursing assistant was shot and killed inside the hospital by a man clad in body armor who was an employee of the hospital. After fleeing the hospital, the man exchanged gunfire with several police officers, two of whom were shot and wounded. Police recovered multiple weapons from the scene, including an AR-15 assault-style rifle.
“This terrible tragedy is a poignant reminder that gun violence can occur anywhere, even in a place devoted to saving lives,” said Deb O’Connor, a volunteer with the Pennsylvania chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Our thoughts are with the victims’ loved ones as we continue the fight against gun violence in our state. We urge lawmakers to take action to ensure that this type of preventable violence no longer threatens Pennsylvanians.”
In an average year in Pennsylvania, 1,574 people die by guns, and 3,058 people are shot and wounded. Gun violence costs Pennsylvania $12.1 billion each year, of which $567.4 million is paid by taxpayers. More information on gun violence in Pennsylvania is available here.