WAVE is deeply saddened today to learn about the mass shootings in El Paso, Texas and Dayton Ohio in which 29 people are confirmed dead and at least 53 people injured.
Including last week’s shooting in Gilroy, California, there have been 11 mass shootings in America this past week. That brings the total number of mass shootings in 2019 to 253 (gunviolencearchive.org). These senseless deaths are a sobering reminder that gun violence is a crisis we cannot ignore. While mass shootings receive a great deal of media attention, they represent an average of 1% of all gun deaths each year. 60% of all gun fatalities are due to suicide, and gun violence disproportionately affects black Americans and inner city communities more than other communities. Our hearts go out to the victims and the families of all Americans killed, injured and impacted by preventable gun violence.
Of course, tackling this epidemic requires more than thoughts and prayers. After passing the House, common-sense and widely-supported gun reform, such as background checks, have languished in the Senate. If Mitch McConnell and Donald Trump will not address this urgent issue, WAVE will. Our Gun Violence Working Group brings together passionate activists to promote initiatives such as BeSmartForKids.org, a gun safety program, and ParentsPromiseToKids.org, a campaign to mobilize a single-issue army of voters to elect legislators to prioritize gun safety. WAVE works with local agencies to identify ways our organization can continue to contribute to programs and initiatives to reduce gun deaths in Orange County. Above all, WAVE’s network of over 1,000 voters is mobilized and dedicated to retaking control of the Senate and the White House to finally pass the common-sense gun legislation we need. Together, we can make Orange County safer. Will you join us?
