May 31, 2022
DREDF is deeply saddened by the recent deadly shootings in Buffalo, NY; Laguna Woods, CA; and most recently Uvalde, TX. Our hearts go out to the survivors, the loved ones of those lost, and the communities in mourning across our country. These acts of violence have also been particularly hard for those who fear violence because of their race, nationality, or simply because they attend or work at a school. Gun violence has remained a national crisis for far too long. More than 45,000 people are killed by guns each year in the US, a figure which includes over 1,000 people killed by law enforcement and over 100 unintentionally shot by children. These deaths represent a rate far higher than exists in other developed countries. Many more than these enormous numbers killed are survivors of gun violence. Survivors often have physical and psychological disabilities that are caused or worsened by their encounters with gun violence.
As we continue forward in the face of such immeasurable tragedy, it’s important to focus on the need for gun control reforms. It’s also important to keep in mind that people with disabilities, including mental health disabilities are not any more likely to engage in violent crime than people without mental health challenges. In fact, people with mental disabilities are more likely to have crimes committed against them. Government officials, advocates, and the broader community should avoid perpetuating narratives that mental illness is the root of gun violence in the United States. As an organization proudly led and staffed by many people with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities, we’ve seen first-hand how much these narratives can hurt the members of the disability community. Disability discrimination will not make us safe. Sensible gun control reforms will. As the seemingly never-ending stream of gun violence tragedies continues to make clear, gun control reform is an issue that cannot wait.