Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords Statement on Attack Against LGBTQ+ Community in Colorado Springs
Washington DC — Giffords, the gun violence prevention organization led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, reacts to the news of a horrific attack against the LGBTQ+ community at a nightclub in Colorado Springs. According to recent reports, five people were killed and 18 were injured.
Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords:
“I’m devastated over last night’s attack against the LGBTQ+ community in Colorado Springs. Club Q was described as a fun and inclusive local venue, a place to escape hate, discrimination, and violence. This sense of refuge was obliterated in a hail of bullets. No one should fear for their lives because of who they are or who they love, but sadly our nation’s gun laws too frequently allow individuals motivated by hate to commit heinous acts of violence. Colorado has seen far too many acts of violence. We grieve with the LGBTQ+ and Colorado Springs communities. We must, can, and will do more to disarm hate and protect our communities from gun violence.”
Peter Gurfein, Colorado Springs resident, Giffords Gun Owner for Safety, Colorado Chapter:
“Colorado is yet again home to another senseless mass shooting, this time an horrific attack against our LGBTQ+ community. Five innocent lives were taken too soon, at least 18 more will have to live with their injuries, and the community of Colorado Springs will be forever changed and haunted by gun violence. Giffords Gun Owners for Safety condemns this attack and calls on responsible gun owners to join us in urging our leaders in Colorado and nationwide to work to end the scourge of gun violence.”
Since 2010, there have been over 13,000 hate crimes targeting people on the basis of their sexual orientation. For more of the nexus of hate and gun laws, check out Giffords Law Center’s report,How America’s Gun Laws Fuel Armed Hate.
Giffords experts, including members of Colorado’s Gun Owners for Safety chapter, are available for comment. Please reach out to media@giffords.org to schedule an interview.
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