Gabby Giffords statement on mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana

WASHINGTON — GIFFORDS, the national gun violence prevention organization led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, released the following statement after 8 children were killed and 2 wounded in a shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana. The victims were reportedly aged between 1 and fourteen years old. Guns are the number one cause of death for children and teenagers in the United States.

“This is a devastating act of domestic gun violence, taking the lives of eight young children. My heart is breaking for their families, the survivors, and everyone in Shreveport today,” said former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. “All of us should be outraged that we live in a country that routinely subjects our kids to such unimaginable violence. Our children have no option but to trust us to keep them safe, but our country is failing them every day. Both Congress and Baton Rouge have a moral duty to do better. Our leaders must act—now.”

Louisiana has an F on GIFFORDS Law Center’s annual scorecard.