The shootings yesterday in Prince George’s County and today in Montgomery County were a tremendous tragedy. Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence sends our thoughts and prayers to all the families affected.

While we are still learning details from both shootings, it seems clear that the shootings stemmed from a domestic violence situation.

“This terrible incident is a reminder that domestic gun violence is a public safety issue. Families are broken and destroyed. An abused woman is five times more likely to be killed when her abuser is armed,” stated MPGV President Jen Pauliukonis. “And many times, the violence does not end there. As we can see in this instance, the gun violence spilled out to affect the entire community. We need to work together to educate everyone on the dangers of domestic gun violence and how it represents a threat to families, schools, and communities.”