FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 7, 2022
“The alleged gunman who turned the Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois into a bloodbath stands charged with seven counts of first-degree Murder. He also allegedly wounded dozens more when he targeted crowds of spectators. The youngest person wounded is only eight years old; one of the fatally shot was an 88-year-old grandfather; and a two-year-old boy survived but his parents were shot dead in the barrage of gunfire.
“We send our condolences to the loved ones of those who were killed, and pray for strength for the victims who are now dealing with terrible injuries and the witnesses who were traumatized.
“As we learn more about this atrocity, it is clear that gun control policies must be changed. The gunman was able to legally purchase multiple guns despite previous encounters with law enforcement, that were apparently not flagged in background checks. He used a Smith & Wesson semi-automatic rifle, similar to an AR-15, and fired more than 70 rounds. These types of weapons must be banned from the general public. The recent Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was a start, but Congress has to act quickly to strengthen our laws to prevent more mass shootings. Lives are at stake.”
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PAGV is an independent coalition of approximately 60 prosecutors from diverse jurisdictions throughout the United States, working toward solutions to end gun violence. The group is co-chaired by Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and Santa Barbara County District Attorney Joyce Dudley, and brings together prosecutors to discuss policies, legislation, and strategies to help prevent and confront gun violence in their jurisdictions.
To stay up to date with PAGV’s progress, join the mailing list at ProsecutorsAGV.org, and follow PAGV on Facebook and Twitter.
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