The Virginia 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 reports of an active shooter at Bridgewater College in Bridgewater, Va. Students were ordered to shelter in place, and a suspect has subsequently been taken into custody by law enforcement. Details are still developing.
“Our thoughts are with the students, families, and faculty of Bridgewater College and the surrounding community as this terrible situation continues to unfold,” said Megan Westerman, a volunteer with Randolph College Students Demand Action. “Students deserve to live and learn in a safe environment, free from the fear of gun violence. As details emerge, it is more important than ever that state lawmakers protect existing common sense gun safety laws and take further action to keep our communities safe.”
In an average year in Virginia, 1,065 people die by guns and 2,050 people are wounded. Gun violence costs Virginia $7.1 billion each year, of which $292.5 million is paid by taxpayers. More information about gun violence in Virginia is available here.
