Two separate shootings this week leave two dead and two injured

SEATTLE, WA – The Alliance for Gun Responsibility issued the following statement in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake and the subsequent gun violence that occurred in Kenosha, WI.

Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old Black man, was shot in the back seven times by police as his children looked on Sunday evening. Reports suggest that Blake will survive but is paralyzed from the waist down.

In response, protestors took to the streets in Kenosha, WI Monday and Tuesday to demand justice. Last night, a 17-year-old Illinois male arrived on the scene and allegedly fired multiple shots from his assault rifle, killing two people and injuring another.

“One tragedy has turned into four in Kenosha because of hate fueled by a gun,” said Renée Hopkins, CEO of the Alliance for Gun Responsibility. “The community was right to express their outrage over the horrific actions of the police officer that shot Mr. Blake. Our country is founded on the right to peacefully protest and that right should not come with the fear of being shot. Civilians that come to such a gathering openly carrying a gun are not there for discourse, they are there to intimidate or worse.”

Guns Down America identified at least 60 instances this year at demonstrations nationwide where militia members – many wearing military gear and wielding military-style assault weapons – were present.

White supremacists have become emboldened under this administration and the gun lobby is openly stoking fear about people of color in an attempt to drive gun sales. The events in Kenosha are a disturbing reminder of why we need to disarm hate and hold police accountable. The fight to end gun violence must include the fight for racial justice. We stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and pledge to continue advocating for policies that will prevent future violence.

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