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Press release/statement

Statement From Dēmos President Taifa Smith Butler on Recent Gun Violence Across the Country

We know that curbing the influence of lobbyists, money, and organized interest groups while strengthening working families' voices in our political system is the only way to end the devastation of gun violence in America.

NEW YORK, NY — Dēmos President Taifa Smith Butler issued the following statement regarding recent wave of gun violence:

"From California to Louisiana and Mississippi, the epidemic of gun violence in America tore families and communities apart forever over the last three days. As we pray for the healing of the families and communities impacted, we are clear-eyed that gun violence in America is a choice. A choice to allow a few corporate interests to profit from devastating too many Black, brown and immigrant communities. A choice we don't have to keep making. 

“In 2021, gun groups spent a record $15.8 million on lobbying for guns and $2 million in the first quarter of 2022, according to data from OpenSecrets. More than 100 Americans are killed with guns daily, and 200 more are shot and wounded. Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens in America, and over 70 percent of people killed in a homicide are Black or brown in America.

“It does not have to be like this. 

“At Dēmos, we power the movement for a just, inclusive, and multiracial democracy. We know that curbing the influence of lobbyists, money, and organized interest groups while strengthening working families' voices in our political system is the only way to end the devastation of gun violence in America.

The vast majority of Americans already support serious gun safety laws. The problem is making their voices heard in a deck stacked against them. 

“As we continue our work into this new year, we will stand shoulder to shoulder with our movement partners working to build a world that serves the communities most impacted by gun violence, not the rich and powerful.” 

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Dēmos is a think tank that powers the movement for a just, inclusive, multiracial democracy. Through cutting-edge policy research, inspiring litigation, and deep relationships with grassroots organizations, Dēmos champions solutions that will create a democracy and economy rooted in racial equity.