Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America Statement in Response to Shooting of Arizona Toddler in Home with Unsecured Guns

TUCSON, Ariz., May 13, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Arizona chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America released the following statement from chapter leader Kara Pelletier in response to authorities' discovery of 20 unsecured guns — and thousands of rounds of ammunition —  in the home of a toddler who shot himself earlier this year.  Moms Demand Action is calling on the Pima County Attorney to investigate and consider filing charges against the parents who failed to secure loaded guns out of the reach of children.

"Moms Demand Action is asking Pima County Attorney Barbara LaWall to investigate and consider filing charges against the parents of an Arizona toddler who found a loaded gun in his home on March 3^rd and shot himself in the abdomen. Currently the shooting is being considered "accidental" — but it is no accident a curious child finds a gun whose owner left it unlocked and loaded;  it's negligence and adults must be held accountable.

"Although the toddler survived, last week detectives discovered 20 unsecured guns — many of them loaded — in addition to thousands of rounds of ammunition accessible in the home. Arizona mothers are outraged by the lack of responsibility shown by the boy's parents and we are concerned for him and the three other children still living in the home.

"When a toddler gains access to a loaded gun and unintentionally shoots himself it teaches a clear lesson:  guns must be stored responsibly and safely.  If parents fail to learn this lesson after their child is shot, and continue to leave nearly two dozen guns readily available to curious children, the Pima County Attorney should consider filing charges under Arizona's endangerment or child abuse and neglect laws.

"Our children deserve to be protected from preventable gun violence. More than 2 million American children live in homes with unsecured firearms, and children in the United States are 16 times more likely to be accidentally shot and killed than kids in other developed countries. A majority of these deaths happen when children are in their own homes, unsupervised, and playing with a gun. We must do more to hold parents accountable and ensure responsible storage of firearms – our children's lives depend on it."

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. Since its inception after the Sandy Hook Elementary mass shooting, Moms Demand Action has established a chapter in every state of the country and is part of Everytown for Gun Safety along with Mayors Against Illegal Guns. Everytown is the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country with more than 1.5 million supporters including moms, mayors, survivors, and everyday Americans who are fighting for reforms that respect the Second Amendment and protect people. For more information or to get involved visit www.momsdemandaction.org. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MomsDemandAction or on Twitter at @MomsDemand

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SOURCE Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America