Official Statement: Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense In America Reacts To Gun Lobby Announcement Proclaiming Sandy Hook Mass Shooting Anniversary As "Guns Save Lives Day"

INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Thursday, gun lobbyists announced that more than 200 gun-rights groups from all 50 states will sponsor "Guns Save Lives Day" on Dec. 14, 2013, to coincide with the one-year anniversary of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn.

To hold a gun-glorifying event on Dec. 14, a day when America will remember the slaughter of 26 innocent Americans, including teachers and first-grade students, can be deemed nothing less than abject evil. According to the organizer, "We are not going to let the gun prohibition lobby own Dec. 14. We will out-organize the other side and show America that there is a good side to guns." Americans everywhere should be outraged by this blatant display of immorality and cruelty.

On Dec. 14, 2012, a deranged civilian was able to procure a semiautomatic Bushmaster .223 caliber model XM15 rifle, 10 30-round magazines, and bullets for two handguns and a shotgun, which he used to massacre innocent victims, some of whom were just 6-years-old and shot 11 times each. It is tragic enough that Congress was unable to act in the aftermath of such a tragedy, but rest assured that American mothers will not allow a depraved, vocal minority to sully or smear the memory of the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary.

We know the majority of Americans will continue to reject this ongoing attempt by gun extremists to normalize behavior that isn't normal. We call on the National Rifle Association and the National Shooting Sports Foundation to publicly denounce this event. And we call on responsible gun owners everywhere to decry the actions of the coalitions that support this event. Mothers across America will rise up to protect the families of Newtown on Dec. 14, and we will continue to comfort and fight on behalf of every other family affected by the daily gun violence that kills nearly 8 children and teens every day.  

Dec. 14, this year and forever, should be a day for our nation to set aside to solemnly and collectively remember the victims of this incomprehensible tragedy. 

Shannon Watts, Founder, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America

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 nine months, the organization has more than 100,000 members with a chapter in every state 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