Ceasefire Oregon Statement On The Las Vegas Mass Shooting

Ceasefire Oregon and Ceasefire Oregon Education Foundation are horrified by the mass shooting early this morning in Las Vegas. Recent reports suggest that 58 people were shot to death and more than 500 were injured after a gunman armed with military-style weaponry shot into a crowded concert audience in Las Vegas from a casino hotel balcony before shooting himself to death.

Ceasefire Oregon and the Ceasefire Oregon Education Foundation grieve for the fallen and the injured, and for their families and friends. We also grieve for our nation as we suffer from the deadliest mass shooting in our nation's history.

We call on all Americans to respect each other as fellow citizens and as human beings who are valued and cherished.

But respect and prayers are not enough.

    

Mass shootings of increasingly alarming numbers of killed and wounded continue to happen with no action from our federal legislators to stop the next one. We must have commonsense gun laws put in place to keep guns out of the hands of those who wish to do evil, and we must have a renewed ban against military-style weaponry designed for the battlefield. 

Today, we are asking you to call your legislators to demand a ban on assault rifles, and to reject the SHARE Act which will deregulate silencers and make deadly firearms even easier to access. Find your legislator here. Say that you've had ENOUGH of the carnage. The only ones who are benefitting are the gun lobby and the politicians who are beholden to the NRA. Tell your legislators to ban assault rifles and vote NO on the SHARE Act. 

For more information on how we can reduce gun violence, read Ceasefire Oregon's Plan to Reduce gun violence.

   

We won't stop, we won't let up. Thank you for speaking out!

   

Penny, Joanne, and the entire Ceasefire Oregon team

A Statement From Ceasefire Oregon On The Orlando Shooting

A statement from Ceasefire Oregon:  

Ceasefire Oregon and Ceasefire Oregon Education Foundation are horrified by the mass shooting early this morning in Orlando, Florida. Fifty people were shot to death and at least 53 were injured after a gunman armed with an assault rifle and handgun opened fire in a crowded nightclub. 

This mass shooting has already been labeled by law enforcement as an act of terror and a possible hate crime.

   

Ceasefire Oregon and the Ceasefire Oregon Education Foundation grieve for the fallen and the injured, and for their families and friends. We also grieve for our nation as we suffer from the deadliest mass shooting in our nation's history.

  

We call on all Americans to respect each other as fellow citizens and as human beings who are valued and cherished.

   

At this time, we ask all Americans to do everything possible to help Orlando. If you live in Florida, please take food to the families and the local first responders. Offer rides to the hospital to friends and families of survivors. Babysit. Hug. Listen.

   

Where ever you live, donate blood. Do it today. Even if you don't live in Florida, someone in your state needs blood.

   

Tomorrow we will talk about steps we must take to end America's unique and tragic madness of gun violence. But for today, please show all Americans how much we honor and respect each other. 

   

Respectfully,

   

The Board of Directors of Ceasefire Oregon and the Ceasefire Oregon Education Foundation

A Message From Ceasefire Oregon Regarding The San Bernardino Massacre

Ceasefire Oregon and the Ceasefire Oregon Education Foundation are filled with sorrow by the rampage in San Bernardino today. Along with our sorrow, however, is outrage that legislators throughout the United States have allowed mass shootings to become commonplace in our country.

Current reports indicate that fourteen people were shot to death and seventeen people were injured. At this time, if you live in southern California, please do what you can to help the victims and their families. They will need blood donations, someone to help with their children, hot meals to eat, rides to the hospital, loving ears to listen to their cries and strong arms to comfort them.

Wherever you live, help the victims and their families by calling your legislators NOW to demand an end to this national nightmare. Find your legislator here.

We know what to expect: kneejerk requests for thoughts and prayers from impotent legislators who are owned by the gun lobby and dead silence from the National Rifle Association. But let them hear your voice this time. Let them know that you are demanding an end to gun violence and you will hold them accountable at the ballot box and when you stop donating to their campaigns and political parties.

Let’s be honest: if more guns meant less crime, America would be the safest nation on earth.

Tell your legislators that you demand an end to gun violence. Tell them:

• Stop allowing the gun lobbies like the NRA to dictate our gun laws with their campaign donations.
• Reinstate the assault weapons ban.
• Implement much higher standards for gun ownership including firearm training, safe storage and no guns for violent misdemeanants.
• Hold federally licensed firearms dealers accountable if they sell guns illegally.
• Find more details at Ceasefire Oregon at http://www.ceasefireoregon.org/advocacy.

Think it’s too soon to call for change? For the victims who died in San Bernardino, it’s too late. But it's not for the rest of us. Take action now to stop the next mass shooting.

Oregon Representative Earl Blumenauer On Gun Violence

Oregon Representative Earl Blumenauer responded to the Umpqua Community College with a floor speech at the nation's capitol, shaming his fellow lawmakers for accepting the status quo on our nation's gun violence record and making a call to action for us to institute changes like other, comparable nations have done.

I would quote some of his speech, but every sentence was significant and equal to such a point that I couldn't choose.  Please listen to the whole speech, which isn't long.

Video of his speech, via C-SPAN:



Thank you, Representative Blumenauer, for your wise words.  Let us hope that your colleagues listen to your advice and we create a new trajectory for our society away from gun violence.


ADDENDUM: Rep. Blumenauer has a comprehensive plan to reduce gun violence, which you can find on his homepage, here:  http://blumenauer.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2427

An Initial Statement On The Umpqua Community College Shooting From Ceasefire Oregon

A statement released by Ceasefire Oregon:

Gun violence has ripped through our community, state and country once again. At this time, we understand from news reports that a lone gunman, a 20-year old male, has killed at least thirteen people and injured at least twenty more at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon.

No family should ever have to go through what the Umpqua Community College families are experiencing right now. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families and the entire Roseburg community. 

You can follow @CeasefireOregon and #UCCShooting for the latest information and responses to this horrifying shooting.

Our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the victims. 

The Newtown Shooting: Two Years Later

A message from Ceasefire Oregon:

Two years ago today, twenty first-graders were shot to death at their school in Newtown, Connecticut. Six extraordinarily brave women put their bodies in front of bullets and died attempting to save those little children. Ceasefire Oregon honors those 26 souls and our thoughts and hearts are with their families and the Newtown community.

The Newtown massacre galvanized the nation and changed hearts and minds about the need for responsible gun laws. Make no mistake: that movement is alive and very active today. 

People like you are speaking up and taking a stand. Some of you are calling your legislators, some of you are becoming activists, and some of you are talking to your neighbors about the common sense steps we can take to reduce gun violence. Simple steps like:

• requiring background checks for all guns sales,
• banning gun magazines that hold enough bullets to kill an entire classroom of children, and
• holding gun owners responsible if they carelessly allow others to access their weapons.

The massacre at Newtown is permanently seared into our national psyche but we aren't sitting still. We are speaking up and helping the Newtown families fight for legislative changes so other people won't have to suffer what they have suffered.

It's a tough fight. The opposition might try to harass and intimidate us but we are Newtown Tough and we will fight for our children, our streets, and a responsible way of life. Personally, I can't think of a better way to honor the heroic women who died at Newtown.

Speak up. Take a stand. Join us.

Newtown, you are always in our hearts.

James Brady, the Man Behind the Brady Bill, Passes Away at Age 73

(UPDATED -- See below)

A statement from Ceasefire Oregon:

Ceasefire Oregon, the Oregon Alliance to Prevent Gun Violence, States United to Prevent Gun Violence, along with millions of other gun violence prevention advocates mourn the passing of former White House press secretary James Brady. Mr. Brady was a true American hero and an inspiration for all of us who are fighting to make our communities safe from gun violence.

Wounded during an assassination attempt against President Ronald Reagan, Jim Brady and his wife turned personal tragedy into a 30-year crusade to pass stronger gun laws and save lives. For those maimed by gun violence, he became a symbol of the purposeful life, made meaningful by the struggle to make all Americans safer.

As the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence pointed out, "Because of Jim's hard work and the policy that bears his name--the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act--an estimated 2 million gun sales to criminals, domestic abusers and other dangerous people have been blocked. As a result, countless lives have been saved. In fact, there are few Americans in history who are as directly responsible for saving as many lives as Jim."


ADDENDA:  
An online condolence card can be signed HERE.

Articles from national news sites can be found HERE and HERE.

Other statements regarding Jim Brady's passing can be found HERE, and HERE.  


UPDATE (8/10/14):  A coroner has ruled Brady's death a homicide, since he died from ongoing complications caused by the bullet wound from Hinckly 33 years ago.

Reactions To Zimmerman's Not Guilty Verdict

(UPDATED -- see below)

Reactions to the Zimmerman verdict run the gamut from sad acceptance and calls for calm to angry outrage.  But, with the exception of some minor vandalism during a protest in Oakland (no injuries or arrests), there has been no violence.  Many peaceful demonstrations are occurring. HERE is a good news video on those.

See excerpts, below, of some statements from others:


Tweeted by Trayvon's father, Tracy Martin (via CNN):

Even though I am broken hearted my faith is unshattered I WILL ALWAYS LOVE MY BABY TRAY.

Tweeted by Trayvon's mother, Sybrina Fulton:

Lord during my darkest hour I lean on you. You are all that I have. At the end of the day, GOD is still in control. Thank you all for your prayers and support. I will love you forever Trayvon!!! In the name of Jesus!!!

From the Martin Family attorney, Ben Crump:

"We are very saddened by the jury's verdict. The family is heartbroken. Sabrina Fulton and Tracy Martin would like to thank people around the world for their support. To everybody that put their hoodies up. To everybody that said, "I am Trayvon. 

To Tracy and Sabrina, your tireless work. We know Trayvon is up there, proud. This morning, Martin Luther King's daughter Tweeted me that this was a defining moment for the progress of her father's dream. He would want us to conduct ourselves on the higher plane of dignity and discipline. 

For Trayvon to rest in peace, we must all be peaceful."

From the Prosecutor, Bernie de la Rionda:

I am disappointed, as we are, with the verdict, but we accept it.  We respect the jury's verdict.

From President Barack Obama (via CNN):

The president, in a written statement, acknowledged an emotionally charged climate but concluded that "we are a nation of laws, and a jury has spoken." 

Obama called Martin's death a tragedy for America. 

"I know this case has elicited strong passions. And in the wake of the verdict, I know those passions may be running even higher," he said. 

"I now ask every American to respect the call for calm reflection from two parents who lost their young son. And as we do, we should ask ourselves if we're doing all we can to widen the circle of compassion and understanding in our own communities. 

"We should ask ourselves if we're doing all we can to stem the tide of gun violence that claims too many lives across this country on a daily basis," Obama said.

From The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence:

The Brady Campaign has been one of the leaders in fighting against “Stand Your Ground” or so called, “shoot first” laws like the one in Florida.  As evidenced by the tragic shooting of Trayvon Martin, these laws have deadly consequences.  They promote a dangerous mentality and misperception about weapons, by overemphasizing their value in self-defense relative to the other dangers that they pose.  

In the end, George Zimmerman's mentality, and what emboldened him to approach Trayvon, may be debatable.  What is not debatable, though, is the fact that Trayvon Martin is dead because Zimmerman had a gun.  Zimmerman was given a concealed carry permit by the state of Florida despite an arrest record and a history of violence, as a direct result of the influence of the gun lobby, and if it weren’t for that, this tragedy never would have happened.  

From the NAACP (via CNN):

"When you look at (Zimmerman's) comments, when you look at his comments about young black men in that neighborhood, about how they felt specially targeted by him, there is reason to be concerned that race was a factor in why he targeted young Trayvon," NAACP president and CEO Benjamin Jealous said Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union."

From the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence:

Turning the other cheek is supposed to be a sacred virtue. But by removing the duty to retreat from a confrontation in public when one can safely do so, the “Stand Your Ground” law allowed George Zimmerman to stalk and kill an unarmed teenager and walk away a free man. That’s a tragedy, because there can be no doubt that Zimmerman could have avoided a confrontation with Trayvon Martin on the evening of February 26, 2012. 

The NRA’s law represents a dangerous and unprecedented escalation in the use of force in the public space, allowing individuals to kill when they merely fear “great bodily harm” (i.e., a fistfight, shoving match, etc.). The concept of responding with proportional force has been obliterated. In this case, the “harm” done to Zimmerman, by whatever source, was so minor that EMTs didn’t even offer him treatment minutes after the shooting. 

Americans should also question why Zimmerman was allowed to carry a loaded gun in public in the first place. He had been previously arrested for assaulting a police officer and placed under a restraining order for a domestic battery involving a former fiancee. Again, Zimmerman has the NRA to thank. Their “Shall Issue” law in Florida awards concealed carry permits to individuals with minimal screening/training and removes any discretion law enforcement might have in approving applicants. 

The message to would-be killers is now clear. You need not fear carrying your gun in public, or using it. If you do, just make sure you are the only one remaining to testify about the nature of the confrontation in question.

From Moms Demand Action:

The shooting death of Trayvon underscores the growing danger of increasingly lenient gun policies across the United States. Stand Your Ground laws, which give everyday citizens more leeway to shoot than the U.S. military gives to our soldiers in war zones, endanger our children, families and communities. These laws grow even more dangerous when coupled with some states’ permissive concealed carry policies that empower untrained, average citizens to carry a gun, and turn everyday conflicts into deadly tragedies.

ADDENDUM (7/15/13):

From The Southern Poverty Law Center:

"They always get away." These were the words George Zimmerman uttered as he followed and later shot Trayvon Martin -- words that reflected his belief that Trayvon was one of "them," the kind of person about to get away with something.  How ironic these words sound now in light of the jury verdict acquitting Zimmerman.  

Trayvon is dead, and Zimmerman is free.  Who was the one who got away?

From Trayvon's pastor, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Arthur Jackson III :

“I believe that this situation has not paralyzed us, has not traumatized us, but is mobilizing us,” Jackson said. “It’s going to be a call to rally at the polls to vote. If we’ve never voted before, we’re definitely going to rally to change these unjust laws.” 

“For us in this generation, this is our Medgar Evers moment,” he went on, comparing Trayvon’s killing to the assassination of Evers, the World War II hero and civil rights leader. 

“This is the moment that we’re not going to forget. We’re going to keep this in the forefront of our minds. This is going to continue to live. It will be something that we talk to our children about, now and forever.”

UPDATE (7/18/13):  

Trayvon's parents, Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, gave an interview for the first time since the verdict, on CBS This Morning.  See HERE for video and article from HuffPost:

"I was in a bit of shock," [Fulton] said. "I thought surely that he would be found guilty of second-degree murder, manslaughter at the least. But I just knew that they would see that this was a teenager just trying to get home. This was no burglar. This was somebody's son that was trying to get home." 

When asked about the prospect of racial profiling, Fulton revealed that neither of them knew the details of the case, including George Zimmerman's previous 911 calls and the fact that authorities were looking for a young black male. 

"Trayvon was simply not that person," she said. "Trayvon was not a burglar, he was not doing anything wrong. He simply went to the store and was headed back home. And for somebody to look at him and perceive that he was a burglar, that was the problem that initiated everything."

UPDATE (7/19/13):

Trayvon's parents, in an interview with CNN's Anderson Cooper:

"It came as a complete shock for me," Fulton said about the verdict. 

"And the reason I say that is because I just look at people as people, and I thought for sure that the jury looked at Trayvon as an average teenager that was minding his own business, that wasn't committing any crime."   .... 

"They knew he was a teenager. They knew he was on his way home. They knew he ran," she said. "... How much do you need to know?" .... 

n spite of his son's death, Tracy Martin said he has faith in the legal system. 

"The state did all they could with what they had" given the poor quality of the investigation, he said. 

"Does the system work? It didn't work for us. We remain prayerful that through this injustice, we can close that gap and hopefully the system can start working for everyone equally." .... 

Martin's mother said that she hoped that a foundation started in her son's name would allow for something good to come out of his death. 

"The change that we hope to affect is with the law," Fulton said. "We want to make sure any teenager who is walking down the street wont' be killed, that they will make it home safe." 

"Hopefully, we can find some positive, some bright side out of all of this," she said.

.

A Message From Ceasefire Oregon Regarding the Boston Marathon Bombings

Dear Friends,

On Monday, we learned of the horrific bombings of the Boston Marathon and the resulting deaths of three innocent people, including a 29 year-old woman and an 8 year-old boy. At least 170 people suffered injuries from that bombing. Our thoughts and hearts are with all of Boston, the runners, and the families of the injured and dead. 

In addition, yesterday, April 16, was the sixth anniversary of the Virginia Tech massacre. We at Ceasefire Oregon have friends who survived that nightmare and friends who lost dear loved ones that day. Our thoughts turn to all of them as well.

Violence rips through our nation in many ways and we need to look for answers. Violence with words, fists, guns, or bombs has a root somewhere. I believe that root has a chance to be thwarted or changed entirely. Right now, because this is the legislative session, many of us are working to reduce violence by strengthening gun laws. The session will end, however, and we will turn to thinking of ways to weed out the roots of violence. We can teach compassion, patience, and tolerance and model those in our own lives. 

What we cannot do is accept terrorism whether it is delivered by bombs or the barrel of a gun. So we continue to work, to write, and to make those calls, all in an effort to weed out the roots of violence.

This week, our thoughts are with Boston as well as our friends at Virginia Tech, Newtown, Clackamas, Thurston, and everywhere someone has experienced violence.

We have a most difficult task at hand but we have the most amazing people working with us.

Together, we will make the difference that counts in the lives of all Americans.

Penny Okamoto

Executive Director

Ceasefire Oregon

Another Shooting Survivor Comes Out In Favor Of Gun Violence Prevention

After years of working to reduce gun violence, I've noticed a pattern: by and large those people who survive shootings come out in favor of tighter gun regulation.  Other than myself, take for example Colin Goddard, survivor of the Virginia Tech massacre, or Joseph Jaskolka, who survived a head wound from celebratory gunfire, or Stephen Barton, who survived the Aurora theater massacre.

I greatly enjoy talking with the public about gun issues.  The vast majority agree with me on the various gun violence prevention measures, such as requiring background checks for private gun sales.  In my conversations, I all-too-common come across people who have either been in shootings or have loved ones or friends who have been in shootings, some of whom died.  Not one of these people supported the sort of rhetoric spouted by the NRA or the gun guys.

Here's another one, Carl M. Hay, who just survived the Clackamas mall shooting here in Oregon.  He just had a letter to the editor published in the Oregonian, along with a number of other moving letters advocating for stronger gun control.  Here is Mr. Hay's letter:

As a survivor of the Clackamas Town Center shooting, I have a few thoughts about gun control. 

1. We cannot expect a "magic" solution that will stop these shootings. Watch out for arguments that say gun control cannot stop them, so we should do nothing or we should arm more people. 

2. Time is crucial. Anything we can do to slow the rate of gunfire will save lives. Smaller ammunition clips, for example, make a lot of sense. 

3. Access to assault weapons has to be limited by bans, stricter purchase laws, mandatory trigger locks, barrel locks or gun safes. 

4. If a weapon is stolen and used against people, and the owner has not protected it from theft, the owner must be held responsible. 

Anyone who has been in the direct line of fire coming from one of these assault rifles knows the incredible killing power that they have. That power, in my opinion, must be regulated. 

CARL M. HAY
Southeast Portland

There have been a very few instances, I've found, where gun guys will say they have been victims, but when I press it, they typically either refuse to say what the situation was, or they admit to having drawn their weapons first because they felt "threatened."  Almost never were they actually at the wrong end of a barrel at the start.  Yes, there are examples, but they are few and far between.  

Gee, I wonder why that is?  If we were like the gun-totin' advocates, shouldn't our experiences have made us paranoid of the "monsters" who "walk among us every single day" (as Wayne LaPierre recently said in his let's-militarize-our-schools presentation) and echo the NRA's "Circus of Fear?"

No.  Instead, it forces us to realize a very basic fact: the best way to stop a bad guy with a gun is to keep him from getting that gun in the first place, and to limit the killing power available to him.

President Obama speaks about the Sandy Hook Elementary massacre

(this is a repost from Kid Shootings blog)


Today, President Obama gave some remarks about the massacre of 20 young children and six adults in Newtown, Connecticut, by a lone gunman, Adam Lanza.

Below is the video and transcript of the President's remarks:

Transcript: 

This afternoon, I spoke with Governor Malloy and FBI Director Mueller.  I offered Governor Malloy my condolences on behalf of the nation, and made it clear he will have every single resource that he needs to investigate this heinous crime, care for the victims, counsel their families. 

We’ve endured too many of these tragedies in the past few years.  And each time I learn the news I react not as a President, but as anybody else would -- as a parent.  And that was especially true today.  I know there’s not a parent in America who doesn’t feel the same overwhelming grief that I do.  

The majority of those who died today were children -- beautiful little kids between the ages of 5 and 10 years old.  They had their entire lives ahead of them -- birthdays, graduations, weddings, kids of their own.  Among the fallen were also teachers -- men and women who devoted their lives to helping our children fulfill their dreams.  

So our hearts are broken today -- for the parents and grandparents, sisters and brothers of these little children, and for the families of the adults who were lost.  Our hearts are broken for the parents of the survivors as well, for as blessed as they are to have their children home tonight, they know that their children’s innocence has been torn away from them too early, and there are no words that will ease their pain.  

As a country, we have been through this too many times.  Whether it’s an elementary school in Newtown, or a shopping mall in Oregon, or a temple in Wisconsin, or a movie theater in Aurora, or a street corner in Chicago -- these neighborhoods are our neighborhoods, and these children are our children.  And we're going to have to come together and take meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this, regardless of the politics. 

This evening, Michelle and I will do what I know every parent in America will do, which is hug our children a little tighter and we’ll tell them that we love them, and we’ll remind each other how deeply we love one another.  But there are families in Connecticut who cannot do that tonight.  And they need all of us right now.  In the hard days to come, that community needs us to be at our best as Americans.  And I will do everything in my power as President to help. 

Because while nothing can fill the space of a lost child or loved one, all of us can extend a hand to those in need -- to remind them that we are there for them, that we are praying for them, that the love they felt for those they lost endures not just in their memories but also in ours. 

May God bless the memory of the victims and, in the words of Scripture, heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds.

Thank you, Mr. President.  Now let's change our pain and anger into action to stop this from happening again.

UPDATE (12/16/12):  President Obama visited Newtown today, to offer word of condolence in person.  HERE is the full video of his speech there.  In his words:

"What choice do we have?" Obama said. "Are we really prepared to say that we're powerless in the face of such carnage, that the politics are too hard?" 

In a vigil for the fallen, in a moment of grief that spread around the world, Obama conceded that none of his words would match the sorrow. But he declared to the community of Newtown: "You are not alone."

I have a feeling that there will actually be action behind the words, this time.  The American people demand it.
.

A Statement From Ceasefire Oregon On The Clackamas Mall Shooting

IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE CLACKAMAS MALL SHOOTING, CEASEFIRE OREGON CALLS ON CITIZENS TO DEMAND SANE GUN LAWS

The gun-massacre nightmare revisited Oregon today. Our thoughts are with everyone who was shot and their friends and families.

We do not know all the facts yet, but a few things are already clear. Our communities can never be safe while the gun industry profits from arming the deranged and the dangerous with increasingly lethal weapons. As long as weapons that belong only on battlefields are sold in our communities, the lives of ordinary citizens will continue to be sacrificed as mere collateral damage by the gun lobby and the politicians who turn a blind eye to the carnage.

The outrage must outlast the news cycle if we are to stop the bloodshed. Penny Okamoto, Executive Director of Ceasefire Oregon stated, “This kind of terror will continue in America until our legislators stand up to the gun lobby and put the lives of our families over the profits of one industry. Ceasefire Oregon has been working to ban assault weapons and large capacity ammunition magazines. We have also been working to require background checks for every gun sold.”

When asked about the action people can take, she added, “Call your senators and your representatives, on the state and national levels. Call the White House and demand action! Do it in memory of today's victims, and in defense of tomorrow's."



Contact: Penny Okamoto
ceasefireoregon@gmail.com

For more information call Ceasefire Oregon at 503.220.1669 or visit www.ceasefireoregon.org.

Violence Policy Center Statement On The Empire State Building Shooting

Jeffrey Johnson, 58, killed a man over a workplace dispute then got into a shootout with police. Nine people were wounded in the shootout, including two police officers, before the shooter was killed. This is at least the fourth mass shooting in the last couple months.

The following is a statement on today's mass shooting just outside the Empire State Building in New York, from the Violence Policy Center:

Violence Policy Center Statement on Shooting Outside Empire State Building

Washington, DC--Following the fourth high-profile shooting in little over a month, this time outside the Empire State Building in New York City and reportedly involving a 45 caliber handgun, the Violence Policy Center, a national non-profit educational organization working to stop gun death and injury, issued the following statement:

“How long are we going to ignore America's gun crisis? Today’s shooting outside the Empire State building is the fourth high-profile shooting in little over a month, following the Aurora, Colorado theater shooting, the Oak Creek, Wisconsin, Sikh Temple shooting, and a shooting outside Texas A&M in College Station, Texas. One can only guess where the next shooting will occur--but we do know that it will occur. Today's shooter reportedly used a 45 caliber handgun to end the life of a former co-worker, offering yet another example of how the ready availability of semiautomatic handguns that can be equipped with high-capacity ammunition magazines destroy lives and make everyone less safe. All Americans deserve the right to feel safe in public spaces--in theaters, their places of worship, and walking city streets. The deadly mindset propounded by the gun industry and the gun lobby that guns are the ultimate problem solver is stripping away the feeling of safety that communities across the country not only expect, but deserve. It is long past time to regulate the out-of-control gun industry that makes these horrendous public shootings possible.”

***

The Violence Policy Center (www.vpc.org) is a national educational organization working to stop gun death and injury. Follow the VPC on Twitter (http://twitter.com/VPCinfo) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Violence-Policy-Center/284334690298?ref=ts).

ADDENDUM: A statement from Dan Gross, President of the Brady Campaign Against Gun Violence, whose brother was wounded in a shooting at the top of the Empire State Building in 1997:
http://www.bradycampaign.org/media/press/view/1525/#

A Statement On The Sikh Temple Shooting

Below is a joint statement put out by the Violence Policy Center, and signed by 32 national groups and leaders who work to prevent gun violence, including Ceasefire Oregon, regarding the recent shooting at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin.

National, State, and Local Gun Violence Prevention Groups Issue Joint Statement on Wisconsin Sikh Temple Shooting 

Washington, DC--Following the second gun massacre in a little over two weeks, this time at a Sikh Temple in Wisconsin leaving six victims dead and others critically wounded, national, state, and local gun violence prevention organizations (see list at bottom) issued the following joint statement: 

“Our deepest sympathies go to all those affected by this terrible tragedy. 

"Once again, a place where communities gather is the site of carnage because of our nation’s unwillingness to face the issue of gun violence.  While our nation reels from yet another mass shooting in less than three weeks, our elected officials offer little beyond sympathy and words of reassurance.  At the same time, the gun industry continues to churn out increasingly lethal weapons with no concern for the role they play in such violence.  The victims and survivors of gun violence--from Aurora to Oak Creek to the next inevitable community--deserve better and demand more.  The lives of the 30,000 Americans who die each year from firearms, their friends and families, and the communities decimated by gun violence must take precedence over the profit-driven goals of the gun industry.  Each of our organizations calls on our elected leaders to take action to stop the next mass shooting.  Congress must listen to those affected by gun death and injury, not those--like the National Rifle Association and the gun industry--who not only make such violence possible, but profit from it.”  

National Organizations

Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and its national network of chapters

Coalition to Stop Gun Violence

Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence

Protest Easy Guns

States United to Prevent Gun Violence

Violence Policy Center 

State and Local Organizations

Arizonans for Gun Safety

Women Against Gun Violence (California)

Ceasefire Maryland

Ceasefire New Jersey (a project of the Coalition for Peace Action)

Ceasefire Oregon

CeaseFirePA

Colorado Ceasefire

Connecticut Against Gun Violence Education Fund

Georgians for Gun Safety

GunFreeKids.org

Gun Violence Prevention Center of Utah

Hawaii Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence

Hoosiers Concerned About Gun Violence

Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence

Maine Citizens Against Handgun Violence

Stop Handgun Violence (Massachusetts)

Northland Brady Chapter (Minnesota)

Million Mom March, Richmond, VA chapter

New Yorkers Against Gun Violence

North Carolinians Against Gun Violence

Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence

Lance Orchid, National Organizing Director, Gun Violence Prevention

Protect Minnesota

Virginia Center for Public Safety

Washington CeaseFire

Wisconsin Anti-Violence Educational Fund

Statement from Ceasefire Oregon: Reinstate the Assault Weapons Ban

Ceasefire Oregon

A statement from Ceasefire Oregon, regarding the mass shooting in Aurora, Colorado, and assault weapons:

Ceasefire Oregon extends our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and survivors of the mass shootings in Aurora, Colorado. To subject anyone to that horror is unconscionable. Today, our supporters are wearing red armbands to show our support and solidarity with those victims and with all victims of gun violence throughout the country.

James Holmes bought 6,000 rounds of ammunition by mail and unleashed some in a crowded theater in Aurora at the rate of 60 shots a minute, killing 12 people and wounding 58 others in a matter of minutes. With his assault weapon he used a 100-round magazine. We are sure that the survivors appreciate President Obama’s prayers and sympathy. But he needs to do more.

The sole purpose of assault weapons is to kill as many people as possible very quickly. The Tucson shooter was tackled when he stopped to reload; Holmes fired his assault weapon until the magazine jammed. Anyone who thinks that armed citizens firing their own weapons at Holmes’s battle armor in the darkened, smoke-filled theater full of panic would have saved lives just isn’t thinking straight. 

Right now, in this country, the best we can hope for is a law that bans assault weapons and large-capacity magazines. At least make them stop to reload. Give us a chance.

Ceasefire Oregon calls on both presidential candidates—Barack Obama and Mitt Romney—to speak out now, unequivocally, in support of immediate reinstatement of the ban on assault weapons and large capacity gun magazines. The men, women, and children who died scrambling to protect each other even as they fled Holmes’s murderous barrage showed the kind of courage our leaders need to emulate. It is time to stand up to the NRA and protect Americans by removing assault weapons from the marketplace.

Reinstate the assault weapons ban. Now. Before another domestic terrorist guns down our loved ones.

Image of protest from today, outside the Portland Convention Center

RELATED: An Associated Press news report about today's protest.

(image taken from HERE)

Response To The Aurora, Colorado Shooting, From The President

President Obama had some thoughtful words on the shooting in Aurora, Colorado.

HERE is video:



HERE is the transcript:

As many of you know, early on Friday, at least twelve people were killed when a gunman opened fire at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado.  Dozens more are being treated for injuries at local hospitals.  Some of the victims are being treated at a children’s hospital. 

We are still gathering all the facts about what happened, but we do know that the police have one suspect in custody.  And the federal government stands ready to do everything necessary to bring whoever’s responsible for this heinous crime to justice.  We will take every step possible to ensure the safety of all our people.  And we will stand by our neighbors in Colorado during this extraordinarily difficult time.

Even as we come to learn how this happened and who’s responsible, we may never understand what leads anyone to terrorize their fellow human beings.  Such evil is senseless – beyond reason.  But while we will never know fully what causes someone to take the life of another, we do know what makes that life worth living. 

The people we lost in Aurora loved, and were loved.  They were mothers and fathers; husbands and wives; sisters and brothers; sons and daughters; friends and neighbors.  They had hopes for the future and dreams that were not yet fulfilled.  And if there’s anything to take away from this tragedy, it’s a reminder that life is fragile.  Our time here is limited and it is precious.  And what matters in the end are not the small and trivial things which often consume our lives.  It’s how we choose to treat one another, and love one another.  It’s what we do on a daily basis to give our lives meaning and to give our lives purpose.  That’s what matters.  That’s why we’re here.

I’m sure many of you who are parents had the same reaction I did when you first heard this news: what if it had been my daughters at the theater, doing what young children enjoy doing every day?  Michelle and I will be fortunate enough to hug our girls a little tighter this weekend, as I’m sure you will do with your children.  But for those parents who may not be so fortunate, we need to embrace them and let them know we will be there for them as a nation.

This weekend I hope everyone takes some time for prayer and reflection – for the victims of this terrible tragedy, for the people who knew them and loved them, for those who are still struggling to recover, and for all the victims of the less publicized acts of violence that plague our communities on a daily basis.  Let us keep all these Americans in our prayers.  And to the people of Aurora, may the Lord bring you comfort and healing in the hard days to come.

The President will be visiting the location of the shooting on Sunday.

So far, he has not indicated in any way whether he will propose any solutions to keep this from happening again or take part in such conversations.

Over 30 National, State, and Local Gun Violence Prevention Groups Issue Statement On Colorado Mass Shooting

Below is a statement about the Aurora, Colorado mass shooting, put out by the Violence Policy Center and signed by 30 different gun violence prevention organizations, in solidarity, including Ceasefire Oregon.

Washington, DC--Following today's mass shooting at a Colorado movie theater leaving at least 12 dead and dozens wounded, national, state, and local gun violence prevention organizations (see list at bottom) issued the following joint statement:

“Our deepest sympathies go to all those affected by this terrible tragedy.

"Today's mass shooting is the price paid in death, pain, and suffering by families and communities for an out-of-control, militarized gun industry that prides itself on selling increasingly lethal products to virtually anyone with little concern for the inevitable tragedies that result.  In America today--where virtually anyone with a credit card and a grudge can outfit their own personal army--mass shootings are as predictable as they are tragic.  Just as predictably, those who celebrate this lethal shift--the NRA and its gun industry partners--remain mute when families and communities suffer the consequences.  And when attention fades, they'll once again resume their lethal trade, unless we stand together as Americans to stop them. 

Gun violence is preventable.  It is long past time for policymakers at all levels to act.  Americans have a right to feel safe in their communities--in schools, restaurants, movie theaters, and all public places.  Using the cynical desires of the gun lobby and firearms industry as an excuse for inaction is shameful." 

National Organizations

Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and its national network of chapters

Coalition to Stop Gun Violence

Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence

States United to Prevent Gun Violence

Violence Policy Center

State and Local Organizations

Arizonans for Gun Safety

Women Against Gun Violence (California)

Ceasefire Maryland

Ceasefire New Jersey (a project of the Coalition for Peace Action)

Ceasefire Oregon

CeaseFirePA

Colorado Ceasefire

Connecticut Against Gun Violence Education Fund

Georgians for Gun Safety

GunFreeKids.org

Gun Violence Prevention Center of Utah

Hawaii Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence

Hoosiers Concerned About Gun Violence

Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence

Maine Citizens Against Handgun Violence

Stop Handgun Violence (Massachusetts)

Northland Brady Chapter (Minnesota)

Million Mom March, Richmond, VA chapter

New Yorkers Against Gun Violence

North Carolinians Against Gun Violence

Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence

Lance Orchid, National Organizing Director, Gun Violence Prevention

ProgressNow Colorado

Protect Minnesota

Maria Roach, New Organizing Institute, Gun Violence Prevention Senior Fellow

Virginia Center for Public Safety

Washington CeaseFire

Wisconsin Anti-Violence Educational Fund



UPDATE (7/21/12): This blog post was featured on the Rachel Maddow Show.  We would like to thank the RMS for their airing of this important statement on this sad and preventable tragedy.  See timestamp 5:40 at this link:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/#48266415