Maryland Members Of Moms Demand Action Renew Call For Change In Light Of Deadly Shooting At Columbia Mall

Tragedy Highlights Need for Continued Action to Reduce Gun Violence

BALTIMORE, Jan. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In response to the shooting yesterday at Columbia Mall in Howard County, Maryland, that left three people dead including the shooter, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America members renewed their call for political leaders to take steps to prevent gun violence. A Maryland Moms Demand Action member and her 2-year-old child were among hundreds of shoppers who were on lockdown for hours inside the mall as the scene was cleared. This incident happened on the heels of a 10-day spate of six school shootings.

"We live in a time when many American mothers worry about active shooters as we take our children to the mall, the movie theater, or to school," said Jenifer Pauliukonis, Maryland chapter leader of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. "Sadly, yesterday in Maryland, we were reminded that this is not an irrational fear. But, we are resolved to not accept this reality as 'the new normal in our country.' Instead, moms will continue to use our voices and our votes to call for sensible gun reform."

A member of Moms Demand Action who is a Maryland-area pediatrician and was in the mall at the time of the shooting said, "You can only imagine the terror of holding your 2-year-old in a cold back hallway for 2 hours with terrified children, babies and parents, with no idea if you are going to be ok. I am more committed than ever to this important critical movement. This cannot be acceptable as the new normal. The kids are traumatized and I am, too. We have to do something real and change this terrifying reality."

"Our hearts go out to the families of those lost in the mall shooting and all those who were terrified inside the mall as they waited for the scene to be cleared. In their honor, we'll continue our work to create safer homes, safer schools, and safer communities," said Pauliukonis.

About Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America

Much like Mothers Against Drunk Driving was created to change laws regarding drunk driving, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America was created to build support for common-sense gun reforms. The nonpartisan grassroots movement of American mothers is demanding new and stronger solutions to lax gun laws and loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our children and families. In just one year, the organization has more than 130,000 members with a chapter in every state in the country. The group recently joined forces with Mayors Against Illegal Guns, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country. For more information or to get involved visit www.momsdemandaction.org. Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/MomsDemandAction or on Twitter @MomsDemand

SOURCE Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America

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