‘Gun violence remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations facing our country today’ – Ernest Coverson

In response to the Indianapolis mass shooting at a FedEx facility which is reported to have resulted in the death of at least eight people, Ernest Coverson, End Gun Violence Manager at Amnesty International USA, said:

“We are devastated to learn that another crippling mass shooting has taken place. These acts of violence should not be part of our everyday lives and routines.

“These past few weeks have been mentally exhausting, with shootings that have risen to the national spotlight including this tragedy and that of a police-involved shooting of a 13-year-old in Chicago. Our elected leaders cannot continue burying their heads in the sand. But there are many incidents like this that does not make the news.

“Gun violence remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations facing our country today. The threat of it lingers over our heads, jeopardising our rights to live and to be free from violence. 

“The need for gun safety could not be any clearer. Congress fails to take action even though most Americans agree to pass common sense gun reform. It is time for lawmakers to listen to the survivors, victims’ families and others most affected by this scourge.

“The United States is past due for meaningful legislation that will prioritise human lives over guns. We can and must protect our communities from these devastating tragedies.”