#NotAnAccident Index Reveals There Have Been at Least 168 Unintentional Shootings by Children Nationwide This Year, Resulting in 70 Deaths and 101 Injuries
Be SMART Program Outlines Steps Adults Can Take to Keep Guns Out of the Hands of Children
LOGANVILLE, Wis. – The Wisconsin chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today issued the following statement in response to reports that a 14-year-old boy was unintentionally shot and killed by his 10-year-old brother during a game of “cops and robbers.” The brothers were reportedly playing with a rifle that had the magazine removed, unaware that a round was still in the chamber.
Adults, gun owners and non-gun owners alike can help prevent unintentional shootings and suicides by children by following the steps laid out in Moms Demand Action’s Be SMART Program.
STATEMENT FROM CHRISTINA KRASOVICH, VOLUNTEER CHAPTER LEADER WITH THE WISCONSIN CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“Once again, a family in our state is suffering from the trauma of gun violence after a 14-year-old boy was unintentionally shot and killed during what should have been an innocent childhood game of cops and robbers. My heart goes out this family in their time of unimaginable grief. Sadly, this is at least the sixth unintentional shooting by a child in our state so far this year, and the second one that has resulted in a death. We cannot forget that these tragedies are preventable and as adults, it is our responsibility to protect the children in our families and communities. I encourage gun owners and non-gun owners alike to work together to ensure that guns are stored responsibly and kept out of the hands of kids so that we can help prevent similar tragedies. The Moms Demand Action Be SMART program is a great place to start.”