Shooting at Family Halloween Event in Vancouver, WA

Washington and Oregon gun safety organizations release joint statement on this preventable tragedy

SEATTLE – Last night families in Vancouver, WA gathered for what should have been a safe trick-or-treat event at the Vancouver Mall. But once again, gun violence disrupted a community. 

Details of the event are still evolving, but authorities believe it was a targeted shooting that killed one person and injured two others caught in the crossfire. The perpetrator is still at large. 

And like all acts of gun violence, it also could have been prevented.

Gun responsibility advocates in Washington have made significant progress to keep communities safer and prevent tragedies like last night’s shooting, both on the ballot and through the legislature. There’s no single law that will end gun violence, however, and there’s more work to be done. The Alliance for Gun Responsibility (AGR) is exploring stronger licensing and permitting regulations for firearm purchases in Washington, as well as stronger accountability mechanisms for dealers. More details on AGR’s 2025 policy agenda will be released in the weeks to come.

“Today our hearts are with the Vancouver community as we once again grapple with gun violence in our everyday lives,” said Renée Hopkins, executive director of the Alliance for Gun Responsibility. “Gun violence is not inevitable. In Washington we’ve made tremendous strides towards protecting our families and communities from gun violence, and the work will continue in the next legislative session. No family should have to fear taking their kids to a community Halloween event — no child should have to fear trick-or-treating.”

In border communities like Vancouver, gun violence prevention laws are only as strong as the neighboring state’s. That’s why the strong partnership and collaboration between the Alliance for Gun Responsibility and the Alliance for a Safe Oregon is critical to protecting families and communities in both states. 

“Children and families deserve to enjoy a Halloween outing at the mall without risking their lives. Our hearts are with all those affected,” said Jess Marks, executive director of the Alliance for a Safe Oregon. “There are real solutions that can prevent gun tragedies. Elected officials must hear our urgent calls for action.”

In Oregon, the Alliance for a Safe Oregon is urging state leaders to:

• Fully and sustainability fund Community Violence Intervention and prevention efforts, ensuring funding reaches those most impacted by gun tragedies
• Work swiftly to implement Oregon’s Measure 114 when it is cleared by the courts after a lengthy lawsuit by the gun lobby;
• Ensuring all guns in Oregon, whether sold from dealers or in homes, are stored securely;
• And raise the minimum age to purchase military-style rifles to 21.

“It’s time for Oregon leaders to get serious about protecting our communities,” Marks said. “For too long, they’ve allowed weak gun policies to endanger our schools and neighborhoods. These horrific tragedies must end.”

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About the Alliance for Gun Responsibility 

The Alliance for Gun Responsibility works to save lives and eliminate the harms caused by gun violence in every community through advocacy, education, and partnerships. Learn more at www.gunresponsibility.org/ and follow us at @WAGunResponsib.

About the Alliance for a Safe Oregon

The Alliance for a Safe Oregon connects people from across the state — including survivors of gun-related tragedies, gun owners, rural and urban residents, veterans, doctors and nurses, first responders, and local community members and leaders — in a collective effort to create safer communities for everyone. Learn more at www.alliancesafeoregon.org.