Previous Everytown Research Shows That the Majority of People Who Shot and Killed U.S. Law Enforcement Officers Were Prohibited from Buying or Possessing Guns
SEATTLE – The Washington chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, responded to a shooting last night in downtown Seattle in which three Seattle police officers were shot during an armed robbery call. Reports indicate two officers were hospitalized after being shot, and a third officer was grazed in the hand. All of the officers are expected to survive. One suspect was found dead following a standoff, and two other suspects have reportedly been taken into custody.
According to Everytown research, this is at least the 44th incident in which a police officer was shot in the United States so far in 2017. This is reportedly the first shooting of a police officer in Seattle since October 2009.
Previous research by Everytown revealed that the majority (52 percent) of people who shot and killed U.S. law enforcement officers in 2013 were prohibited from buying or possessing the guns they used in the shootings.
STATEMENT FROM CAUSE HAUN, VOLUNTEER WITH THE WASHINGTON CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“Last night’s tragedy marks the 44th law enforcement shooting in our country this year alone. Seattle law enforcement officers too often have to put their lives on the line for public safety and my thoughts and prayers are with them as they recover. In the past few years, we have worked hard in Washington to pass common-sense gun laws to help prevent situations like this from happening. Yet, last night’s shooting reminds us that more can and should be done to help reduce gun violence in our state. That’s why Moms Demand Action volunteers support House Bill 1501, legislation that will help give law enforcement the information they need to prevent guns from ending up in dangerous hands. I applaud the Senate for taking action on this important bill yesterday, and urge the House to prioritize this piece of legislation and send it to Governor Inslee’s desk.”