GIFFORDS Remembers Victims of 101 California Street Shooting 30 Years Later
GIFFORDS Remembers Victims of 101 California Street Shooting 30 Years Later
San Francisco, CA — Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, founder of the gun violence prevention organization GIFFORDS, released the following statement marking 30 years since the shooting at 101 California Street. GIFFORDS Law Center began as the Legal Community Against Violence (LCAV) after eight people were murdered and six others were injured at the San Francisco law firm Pettit & Martin on July 1, 1993. Shirley Mooser, Allen J. Berk, Donald “Mike” Merrill, Jack Berman, Deborah Fogel, Jody Jones Sposato, David Sutcliffe, and John Scully were killed in the shooting.
Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords:
“Thirty years ago, eight people senselessly lost their lives in a horrific act of gun violence. The legal community in San Francisco came together in the aftermath and founded what is now GIFFORDS Law Center to honor their lives with action. Over the past 30 years, GIFFORDS Law Center has helped pass hundreds of gun safety laws at the state and federal levels. Today, the Law Center is a premiere resource and leader in the gun violence prevention movement. We will never stop fighting to stop gun violence and will continue to honor the eight that lost their lives that day and the many survivors.”
John Heisse, GIFFORDS Law Center Board President, Founder of LCAV:
“Thirty years ago, a devastating mass shooting rocked the Bay Area legal community to its core. A group of survivors and attorneys decided to turn our pain into purpose, channel our outrage and heartbreak into change, and we formed what is now the GIFFORDS Law Center to re-write the status quo. Over the past three decades, we worked to pass hundreds of state and federal laws. Because a group of survivors and attorneys chose to fight back, and despite the financially powerful gun lobby, we have been turning the tide on this crisis.
“I’ve seen what a small group of passionate survivors and attorneys can do when they put their hearts and minds to it, and I believe we can make this country safer for our children and stop gun violence.”
Carol Kingsley, GIFFORDS Law Center Board Member, Founder of LCAV:
“Thirty years ago my husband, Jack Berman, was shot and killed. Since then I have worked with GIFFORDS Law Center to fight gun violence so no other family has to experience the pain that my family has. Our mission has evolved into a powerful force against the epidemic of gun violence that continues to plague our society. We believe in a future where lives are not shattered by bullets and where families are not torn apart by acts of senseless aggression.
“Through the tireless efforts of GIFFORDS Law Center, we have achieved significant milestones in our fight against gun violence. We have seen laws enacted, policies reformed, and communities mobilized. Our work has made a tangible difference, but there is still much to be done.
“Today, we remember Jack and the countless others who have been taken from us too soon. We honor their lives by transforming tragedy into action, turning our pain into purpose. We stand resolute in our conviction that no family should ever have to experience the devastating loss we endured. Through education, legislation, and community empowerment, we will forge a path towards a world where gun violence is no longer a terrifying reality.”