CINCINNATI, Ohio. - Today, the Ohio chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety's grassroots network, issued the following statements after a 16-year old, Jackie Jackson III, was shot and killed near The Banks. Jackie's grandfather, Pastor Jackie Jackson, serves as a Program Manager at Everytown for Gun Safety. Last year, Pastor Jackson's son was shot and wounded.

"Today, my friend and colleague is once again reeling from another instance of senseless gun violence. My heart breaks for Pastor Jackie and the life of his grandson that was stolen overnight," said Keenon James, Senior Director of the Everytown for Gun Safety Survivor Network. "It's shameful that a young man's life was cut short and that an entire family - and community - continues to be rocked by gun violence time and time again. We will continue to fight in his honor so that our families aren't forced to accept a reality where we are routinely traumatized by gun violence."

"Last night, a 16-year-old's life was taken by gun violence and our hearts go out to the entire community impacted by this horrific shooting," said Kelsie Fields, a volunteer with the Ohio chapter of Moms Demand Action. "Every day that Ohio lawmakers fail to pass comprehensive gun safety laws, they are failing our families. We will not rest until we put an end to this relentless cycle of senseless gun violence."

"Yet again, a young life in America has been stolen due to gun violence," said Nina Greenberg, a volunteer leader with the Ohio State University Students Demand Action Chapter. "My generation deserves the chance to grow up free from the constant threat of gun violence - but this is our harsh reality because lawmakers fail to prioritize our safety. We know the solutions to end this crisis, but we need Ohio leaders to get serious about implementing them."

Ohio lawmakers at all levels must take lifesaving action to curb gun violence in the state, including keeping people who pose a risk to themselves or others from obtaining firearms and opposing any attempts to pass legislation supported by the gun lobby that would weaken life-saving gun laws.

Ohio has some of the weakest firearm laws in the country, scoring only 13 out of 100 for gun law strength. In an average year, 1,728 people die and 3,753 people are wounded by guns in Ohio. Gun violence costs Ohio $22.3 billion each year, of which $493.7 million is paid by taxpayers. Learn more about gun violence in Ohio here.