New York, NY - July 8, 2016 - Once again--this time during a peaceful Black Lives Matter rally in Dallas--we witness the appalling toll of gun violence. When easy access to deadly weapons combines with hate and fear, tragedies occur.
With the rest of the nation, we mourn the loss of five police officers gunned down in the line of duty and the senseless shooting of seven more officers and two civilians whose lives will he forever altered. Our hearts go out to their families, friends and colleagues, and we pledge to them that our resolve to end the daily gun slaughter on our streets is only strengthened.
America's gun violence epidemic, which claims more than 90 Americans each day, is impacting an ever higher number of our nation’s law enforcement officers each year, yet certain members of Congress fail to act - leaving sensible bills unaddressed or, in the case of Speaker Ryan, even refusing to hold a vote.
Let us resolve that the loss of these brave officers will not be in vain, but will inspire us to come together and end the arms race that is turning peaceful marches, nightclubs, movie theaters, shopping malls, churches and schools into killing fields.
New Yorkers Against Gun Violence is a statewide organization working to reduce gun violence through advocacy and education designed to encourage action, influence public opinion and lead to policy change. With a primary focus on New York State, the organization also advocates at the local and national levels for sensible gun laws, policies and practices that protect New York State residents from gun violence.