United States Sees More Than 500 Shootings over Violent Fourth of July Weekend

Washington, DC — Fourth of July weekend brought more than 500 shootings nationwide, leaving more than 200 people dead and over 550 injured in a 72-hour period. High-casualty mass shootings took place in Ohio, Texas, and Nevada. At least 95 people were shot in Chicago alone, including two police officers. Giffords, the gun safety organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, released the following statement.

Peter Ambler, Giffords Executive Director and Robyn Thomas, Giffords Law Center Executive Director:

“As Americans celebrated Independence Day, communities across the country were devastated by gun violence. Over a weekend that is meant to bring the country together, over 200 people were killed in what has become a far too common, uniquely American tragedy. We cannot accept this heartbreaking status quo. 

“We are grateful to have a White House that takes gun violence seriously and is committed to saving lives. We now need Congress to demonstrate the same commitment and bring commonsense gun safety laws to the president’s desk. And we need the Senate to confirm David Chipman as ATF director so local law enforcement have the partner they need in Washington to address our nation’s gun crisis. We cannot wait another day to act.”