At Least Four People Have Been Shot at the Hub in Peachtree Center Atlanta Shopping Center; Georgia Moms Demand Action, Students Demand Action Respond 

The Georgia chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots networks, released the following statement in response to a shooting in Downtown Atlanta. While details are still emerging, initial reporting shows at least four people have been shot. The scene is still active and those in the surrounding areas are being asked to shelter in place according to Mayor Dickens. 

This shooting came as Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action volunteers and survivors of gun violence from all 50 states have gathered in Washington, D.C. for Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund’s annual Gun Sense University conference. Earlier today, President Biden joined Gun Sense University to address the group and thank them for their persistence in this fight. Volunteers from Georgia and all 50 states also spent the day in and out of meetings on Capitol Hill urging lawmakers to put the safety of their communities first and continue the life-saving work of passing common-sense gun safety laws that will keep our families and communities safe. 

“Earlier today, I was honored to introduce President Biden as he gave remarks to a room full of moms, students and survivors of gun violence, talking about the urgent need for our lawmakers to listen and act as we call for action on gun violence prevention. Just hours later, a devastating shooting in my city served as a stark reminder for why I do this work,” said Julvonnia McDowell, a Moms Demand Action volunteer from Atlanta whose son, JaJuan, was shot and killed in 2016 by another teen playing with an unsecured firearm. “Too many families in Georgia and across the country have been forced to experience the pain from senseless gun violence. We can’t give up the fight — we have to keep fighting to bring an end to this crisis.”

“Our hearts are broken for the Atlanta community,” said Elle Briglevich, Students Demand Action volunteer and group lead at Kennesaw State University. “Georgia lawmakers need to wake up. Our state has some of the weakest gun laws in the country and these tragedies will only continue until something changes. Our leaders need to meet our demands: Pass gun safety laws and save lives. It’s that simple. ” 

In recent years, the Georgia legislature has been ceding to the gun lobby’s ”guns everywhere” agenda, by allowing guns to be carried nearly anywhere in the state — from the busy Atlanta airport to college campuses. Last session, Georgia lawmakers repealed the requirement that a person get a permit and pass a background check to carry a concealed handgun in public, despite 88 percent of Americans agreeing a permit should be required before carrying a concealed gun in public. These dangerous gun laws have and continue to make Georgians less safe. Gun violence costs Georgia $23.9 billion each year, of which $597.8 million is paid by taxpayers.

Georgia suffers from some of the weakest gun laws in the country and in an average year, In an average year, 1,927 people die by guns. With a rate of 17.9 deaths per 100,000 people, Georgia has the 15th-highest rate of gun deaths in the US. Gun violence costs Georgia $23.9 billion each year, of which $597.8 million is paid by taxpayers. To speak to a Georgia volunteer with Moms Demand Action, a volunteer with Students Demand Action, or a policy expert, please contact press@everytown.org.