JGVPR Statement on Grand Blanc Township LSD Church Shooting
We are deeply saddened and horrified by the tragic shooting that took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, MI. Our hearts are heavy with grief for the lives lost, the injured, and all those affected by this senseless act of violence.
In times of such profound sorrow, it is crucial that we come together as a community to offer support, comfort, and solidarity. The Jewish Gun Violence Prevention Roundtable stands with the Grand Blanc Township Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the entire community during this difficult time.
As we mourn the loss of innocent lives and grapple with the trauma inflicted by this tragedy, we must also reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all places of worship. No one should ever fear for their safety while practicing their faith.
Gun violence is stripping us of our constitutional rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This horrific event demonstrates how gun violence is taking away our First Amendment rights to freely practice our religion and to peaceably assemble.
In response to this heartbreaking event, we urge our lawmakers and community leaders to:
Enact comprehensive gun violence prevention measures, such as an assault weapons ban, requiring background checks for all firearm and ammunition transfers, and restrictions on access to firearms for individuals with a history of violence or extremist ideologies.
Promote interfaith dialogue and collaboration to foster understanding, tolerance, and solidarity among diverse religious communities.
Provide resources and support for victims of gun violence and their families, including access to counseling, trauma-informed care, and legal assistance.
As it finalizes its proposed rule to establish a process by which people prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law can apply to have their firearms access restored, we also recommend that the Department of Justice make individuals convicted of felony hate crimes ineligible for firearms restoration. Click here to register for a brief webinar on October 6 at 12:00 ET to learn more about the proposed rule and to submit a comment addressing firearms restoration in situations involving hate crimes (the webinar will also address domestic violence situations).
Together, let us stand united against hatred, bigotry, and violence in all its forms. Let us honor the memory of the victims by working together to build a more just, compassionate, and inclusive society for all.
With deepest sympathy and solidarity,
Jewish Gun Violence Prevention Roundtable
JWI is the leading Jewish organization championing women and girls by preventing domestic violence and sexual abuse, addressing the intersection of domestic violence and gun violence, building pathways to long-term economic security, and strengthening access to every level of leadership in our communities, workplaces, and country.