This is the Second Mass Shooting of 2016; Everytown Research (And Visuals) on Gun Violence by the Numbers Available Here
Michigan Moms and Survivors Organizing Care Card Events Throughout the State
KALAMAZOO, Mich.— The Everytown Survivor Network and the Michigan chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, both a part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today responded to the mass shooting in which a 45-year old man shot and killed six people, and shot and injured at least two others, across three incidents at an apartment complex, a car dealership and restaurant between 6:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on Saturday night.
This incident is one of at least 143 mass shootings that have occurred in America since 2009, and it is the second mass shooting in 2016. A previously released report from Everytown for Gun Safety (available here) provides a comprehensive analysis of incidents in which four or more people were murdered with a gun, a widely used definition of mass shootings from the FBI. More information on gun violence in America is available here: Gun Violence By the Numbers.
The Everytown Survivor Network and the Michigan chapter of Moms Demand Action are organizing care card events throughout the state to show support for the families of the victims and the Kalamazoo community. There are events planned in Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and Lansing this week. Specific event details available upon request.
STATEMENT FROM CRAIG HEXHAM, MEMBER OF THE EVERYTOWN SURVIVOR NETWORK IN MICHIGAN:
“Kalamazoo County Undersheriff Matyas has called this shooting ‘your worst nightmare,’ and he’s right. As someone who has experienced gun violence personally, I know the pain of learning that a loved one has been shot and killed. My thoughts are with those in Kalamazoo who are now experiencing a trauma that too many Americans have faced. As a member of the Everytown Survivor Network in Michigan, I’m in touch with gun violence survivors and families in our state and we are committed to doing whatever it takes to keep guns out of dangerous hands and prevent future tragedies.”
STATEMENT FROM MARTI ULMER, VOLUNTEER WITH MICHIGAN CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA IN KALAMAZOO:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by the mass shooting last night that killed six and injured two. We don’t expect this type of violence to happen here in Kalamazoo, but the truth is that gun violence is affecting communities across the country every day. It does not have to be like this. We need to come together as a community to heal and take action. We must demand our Michigan lawmakers do more to keep our communities safe. I encourage other Kalamazoo residents who are angered by what happened last night to get involved – we can all do more to reduce gun violence.”