SEATTLE, WA – The Alliance for Gun Responsibility issued the following statement in response to news of three separate shootings in just over 24 hours in downtown Seattle. On Tuesday, a man was found dying from a gunshot wound in Westlake Center. On Wednesday afternoon, police shot and wounded a man in Belltown. Just hours later, gunfire erupted at McDonald’s on 3rd and Pine, leaving one dead and seven wounded, including a 9-year-old boy. 

“Our hearts are with all those impacted by this senseless gun violence,” said Renée Hopkins, CEO of the Alliance for Gun Responsibility. “These tragedies are stark reminders of the toll gun violence takes on our communities each and every day. This most recent shooting occurred during the evening commute in one of Seattle’s busiest pedestrian and commercial corridors, shattering so many Seattlites’ sense of safety. 

Behind the headlines, we must also confront the truth that so many of our communities experience senseless shootings all too regularly, without media attention and public awareness. 

The legislature has the opportunity to act right now, to help reduce gun violence and save lives in Washington state. We are hopeful that lawmakers will take this opportunity to honor these victims, and all victims of gun violence, with bold and decisive action this legislative session. Today, we grieve for all those impacted by these tragedies and we recommit to working tirelessly to keep our communities safe from all forms of gun violence.”

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