In Wake of Deadly 4th of July Weekend, Gun Violence Prevention Advocates Call for Legislative Action to Reduce Violence

WASHINGTON -- Over the Fourth of July weekend, Americans once again experienced the consequences of a deadly epidemic of gun violence. In response, the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence is calling for elected officials at the national, state, and local levels to respond to this public health crisis by immediately passing legislation and implementing proven policies that will end the carnage. The latest data on gun violence between individuals shows that at least 233 people were killed and 618 people were injured by gun violence over the holiday weekend. That figure does not include gun deaths by suicide, which typically account for the majority of gun deaths.

Lauren Footman, Director of Outreach and Equity at the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, released the following statement:

“We, as Americans, demand the right to live free from gun violence. Historic disinvestment in communities and unregulated access to guns equals more gun deaths. It’s really that simple. Every single lawmaker in America must address this uniquely American epidemic by enacting evidence-based policies that will reduce gun deaths.

“America has seen a devastating increase in gun violence this year, one that is expected to continue, with unaddressed structural inequities exacerbated by COVID-19 and the ongoing surge in firearms sales showing little signs of decreasing. During the first quarter of 2021, homicide rates were higher than the same time last year, rising 24% compared to the first quarter of 2020, an increase of 193 homicides.

“The current situation cannot continue. The problem disproportionately affects communities of color that have been chronically disinvested in for decades. The rise in gun sales means more guns flowing into illegal markets at the same time some states are compounding the problem by weakening their gun laws. It is a deadly concoction that makes America less safe for all.

“The Biden administration and the House of Representatives have taken the actions within their power to address American gun violence. But these life-saving policies and investments are stymied by elected officials in the U.S. Senate and in state legislatures across the country, who refuse to take action to end the violence.

“This is unacceptable. As America enters the second half of this historically deadly year, we call on a renewed effort by our legislators to address American gun violence with proven public health tools.”

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About the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence

Founded in 1974, the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence is the nation’s oldest gun violence prevention organization. We believe gun violence should be rare and abnormal. CSGV develops and advocates for evidence-based solutions to reduce gun injury and death in all its forms.