GIFFORDS statement on mass shooting in Erie, Pennsylvania

WASHINGTON —  GIFFORDS, the national gun violence prevention group led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, responded to a mass shooting in Erie, Pennsylvania, that took place on October 9. It is being reported that eight people were killed, including two children. 

“I am devastated to hear that eight people, including two children, were killed in a horrific act of gun violence last night. My heart is with the loved ones and everyone in Erie impacted by this unacceptable tragedy,” said former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. “We can’t accept these tragedies as normal. But until leaders everywhere decide to stand up and act, our communities will continue to suffer. Leaders at the local, state, and federal levels have an urgent responsibility to pass commonsense gun laws and save lives.”

Although Pennsylvania has made improvements in recent years, the state still lacks critical gun safety laws including extreme risk protection orders, gun owner licensing requirements and more.