Denver, CO – One Colorado, the state’s leading advocacy organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) Coloradans and their families, released the following statements upon the news of the most recent attacks by gun violence to our nation’s citizens in Laguna Woods, CA, Buffalo, NY,  and Uvalde, TX:

"There are no words that will undo the horror that continues to devastate our communities due to gun violence and the general disrespect for the human condition. The answer is not to arm regular citizens to protect themselves from unwarranted violence, it is to fight against the powers that be and hold the gun industry accountable. The answer is having a respect for humanity and creating services for vulnerable populations to thrive. We must, without exception, push for regulations for this to never, ever happen again." – Nadine Bridges, MSW (she/her), One Colorado Executive Director

One Colorado extends our deepest care and condolences to the families, teachers, students, friends, coworkers, and citizens of Laguna Woods, CA, Buffalo, NY, Uvalde, TX and the many other community members impacted by gun violence. One Colorado calls on our local, state, and federal Colorado legislators to take swift, exacting action to ensure public safety with common sense gun reform. It is imperative to protect every single person in our communities–especially children and youth, on which gun violence has taken an enormous toll. According to Everytown for Gun Safety, in the United States between 2009 and 2022, there have been:

• 274 mass shootings
• 1,536 people shot and killed
• 983 people shot and wounded
• 1 in 4 mass shooting victims are children and teens

This tally of gun violence in America is staggering. However, the research is clear: gun violence is preventable. Through evidence-based policy interventions, our communities across the U.S. do not need to continue living with anxiety and fear, wondering if or when each of us will be affected by gun violence. There is no time to wait. You can make a difference today.

• Take action with Everytown
• Support those affected in Uvalde, TX
• Support those affected in Buffalo, NY
• Support those affected in Laguna Woods, CA

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