STATEMENT: Giffords Executive Directors On Horrific Weekend of Mass Shootings that Occurred Across the Country

Washington, DC — Giffords Executive Directors Peter Ambler and Giffords Law Center Executive Director Robyn Thomas reacted to a grim weekend of mass shootings, leaving at least 11 people dead and another 69 injured from incidents at homes, parks, and bars. The tragedies took place across eight states- Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana, South Carolina, Virginia, Texas and Minnesota, underscoring that gun violence is hurting people in every corner of the country.

Peter Ambler, Giffords Executive Director:

“Instead of celebrating gains we’ve made against a pandemic that strained and isolated our country, this past weekend was a reminder that the crisis of gun violence has only gotten worse. We grieve with the communities who lost individuals who should still be with us today. While we grieve, we are also resolute in demanding this be treated by Congress like the priority it urgently needs to be. There is not time to waste, we need bold, swift, life-saving solutions like universal background checks to become the law of the land so we can get a handle on this crisis.” 

Robyn Thomas, Giffords Executive Director:

“It’s appalling how intertwined gun violence has become with life in this country. No one can escape it and this past weekend is the latest example of how much suffering and heartbreak it creates. This is an urgent crisis that requires immediate action. Leaders can no longer idly stand by as American lives are cut short. It is time this country finds the courage to act on stronger gun safety laws so that gun violence no longer creates devastation on such a horrifying scale.” 

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