The International Executive Board of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada issued the following statement regarding the recent gun violence tragedies:

“Our emotions are still raw from the senseless mass murders in Uvalde, Texas, and Buffalo, New York. We grieve with the families of those killed and the communities affected by these events.

“As we mourn those who have lost their lives, we must also stand up and demand better for children, parents, educators, and for communities across the nation. Whether racially motivated or an attack on innocent children, there is no way to make sense of this type of tragedy. It’s clear it’s time for action to be taken to prevent further gun violence.

“The AFM International Executive Board extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and to all who are dealing with unfathomable pain due to gun violence.”