OCA Denounces Shooting in Jacksonville and Demands Gun Reform
For Immediate Release
August 29, 2023
Media Contact:
Socheata Sun, Communications Fellow
socheata.sun@ocanational.org
Washington, D.C. — OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates strongly denounce the racially motivated shooting that killed three Black individuals and injured two others in Jacksonville, Florida. The gunman allegedly held racist views and included symbols of hate on his weapon.
As we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, we are faced with the stark contrast between the vision of Martin Luther King Jr. and the reality of gun violence and racism in our country. The rise of anti-Black rhetoric and racism have only added fuel to a nation that is grappling with a gun violence epidemic.
“We are outraged and heartbroken by this horrific act of violence that took the lives of three innocent Black individuals and wounded two others,” said OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates Executive Director Thu Nguyen. “This is not an isolated incident, but part of a pattern of white supremacy and anti-Blackness that has been amplified by easy access to firearms and a lack of accountability. We mourn alongside the Jacksonville community and call on Congress to pass gun safety legislation that will protect our communities from further harm.”
“This act of violence is a painful reminder of how far we still need to go to achieve the dream of Dr. King and the civil rights movement,” said OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates National President Linda Ng. “It is imperative that we work together across communities to put an end to gun violence and racism that threatens our lives and our democracy. OCA stands in solidarity with the Black community and all communities who face racism, discrimination, and hate in this country. We demand action from our elected officials to address the epidemic of gun violence that runs rampant in this country.”
###
About OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates
Founded in 1973, OCA–Asian Pacific American Advocates is a national, member-driven social justice organization of community advocates dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Learn more about our work at ocanational.org/about.