Gun violence does not discriminate. This growing public health crisis impacts each and every one of us regardless of race, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religious affiliation. But it does not impact us equally.

September 15th marked the start of Latinx Heritage Month and we here at The Alliance strive to honor the unique realities facing Latinx individuals. Two recent tragedies have underscored the toll of gun violence on the Latinx community. On May 24th, this country was shaken when a gunman killed 19 elementary school students and two teachers in their classroom in Uvalde, TX, a predominately Latinx community. In 2019, a gunman, motivated by anti-immigrant and anti-Latinx hatred, opened fire at a Walmart in El Paso, TX, killing 23 people and wounding 23 more. 

While these tragedies, like all mass shootings, refocus attention on this public health crisis, they represent just a fraction of the impact of the gun violence epidemic. Every day, gun violence is taking a toll on Latinx communities without ever making headlines. In particular, Latinx individuals are disproportionately likely to be the victim of hate-based gun violence and of police violence. 

The diversity of Latinx or Hispanic identities makes it difficult to understand the full scope of the impact of gun violence on Latinx people in the United States. More on those challenges here from our partners at Everytown. 

Each of us deserves to feel safe walking into school, dropping our children off at the mall, going to the grocery store, or seeing a concert. And until that day comes, we at The Alliance will continue pushing to implement policies and programs that will keep all of our communities safe. 

If you or someone you love is in need of resources, please Text ‘HOME’ to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor to contact 988 to get access to help. 

• Learn more about how to prevent gun-related injuries by safely storing your firearms. 
• Understanding extreme risk protection orders.
• Read The Alliance’s Solidarity Statement for Racial Justice. 

Note: To remain respectful and inclusive to trans, gender-fluid, and gender nonconforming communities we utilize the gender-neutral term Latinx when referencing communities of both Hispanic and Latin American origin.

 

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— Tori Muzyk is the Digital Communications Manager at the Alliance.