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Brady Campaign's Paul Helmke On This Week's Shootings
Jan 8, 2010
Washington, DC – Paul Helmke, President of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, issued the following statement about the terrible rampage yesterday of a St. Louis factory worker who killed three co-workers and himself and wounded five others, as well as the other incidents of gun violence during the first week of 2010:
"After just one week into the new year, America shows once again the tragic consequences of our weak gun laws and our pervasive, irresponsible 'guns everywhere' culture:
- Yesterday, January 7, a St. Louis factory worker killed three co-workers and himself while wounding five others. This suicide shooter was reportedly armed with three guns, including an assault rifle, which police say are being used more and more in criminal activities since the Federal ban on them expired in 2004. The shooter is also reported to have complaints with his superiors and had been part of a lawsuit against his employer.
- Also, yesterday, a man shot and killed his 9 year-old daughter and her 42 year-old baby sitter in the New York City suburb of Mt. Vernon, NY.
- Wednesday, January 6, three East African immigrants were shot and murdered by, in the words of the Chief of Police, "cold-blooded killers" at a convenience store in Minneapolis.
- Monday, January 4, a court security officer in Las Vegas was shot in the chest and killed, along with a U.S. Marshall who survived. This killer was reportedly upset with the government for denying his Social Security claim.
"It angers me to see another year start out with these deadly American tragedies. I hope and pray that this year we will do something to stop our continuing epidemic of gun violence.
"Once again, we are losing too many Americans to gun violence every day. As we start a fresh year, we should freshen our resolve to change our culture and our laws regarding guns. Already this year, it is estimated that 2,100 Americans have been shot. Almost 600 of them have died by gunfire. As a nation, we need to make it a priority to take the necessary steps to protect our families and communities from gun violence."
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As the nation's largest, non-partisan, grassroots organization leading the fight to prevent gun violence, the Brady Campaign, with its dedicated network of Million Mom March Chapters, works to enact and enforce sensible gun laws, regulations and public policies. The Brady Campaign is devoted to creating an America free from gun violence, where all Americans are safe at home, at school, at work, and in our communities.
For continuing insight and comment on the gun issue, read Paul Helmke's blog at www.bradycampaign.org/blog/. Visit the Brady Campaign website at www.bradycampaign.org.