The Vermont chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots networks, released the following statement in response to a shooting that took place in the early hours of Monday morning inside an apartment in Burlington. According to reports, two people were shot and killed and another was wounded. Police recovered an assault-style weapon from the home.
“We are heartbroken over the tragic shooting in Burlington’s North End — the community’s second deadly shooting event this month,” said Eileen Barendse, a volunteer with the Vermont chapter of Moms Demand Action. “With gun violence right on Vermonters’ doorsteps, it is time that our state must address safe gun ownership to help prevent this devastating gun violence crisis. During this time of healing for the victims’ friends and family, residents of the Old North End, Burlington, and all Vermonters, we will continue working with lawmakers to ensure the safety of our communities.”
In an average year in Vermont, 75 people die by guns and 65 people are wounded. Gun violence costs Vermont $953 million each year, of which $8.7 million is paid by taxpayers. More information on gun violence in Vermont is available here.