Whitney Austin, recovering Fifth Third Bank victim, reacts to Kroger shooting

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - The Louisville woman who somehow survived being struck by 12 bullets in last month’s Fifth Third Bank shooting in Cincinnati responded to the Kroger tragedy.

Whitney Austin, who endured another round of surgery this week, returned to Louisville with a message about gun violence following Wednesday’s shooting that left two people dead at the Kroger store in Jeffersontown:

As I returned to Louisville yesterday from a second round of surgery on my humerus that was severely damaged as a result of gun violence, I was filled with a range of emotions after learning of the shooting at the Stonybrook Kroger. Everyone should be safe to shop for groceries, EVERYONE.

To the families of the victims: There are no words sufficient enough. Gun violence rips its victims and their families apart physically and mentally. My heart breaks for you and while it is never enough, my prayers are with you.

This man should not have had access to a gun. We have a lot of work to do but one of the most critical paths is to ensure that individuals with a criminal and mental illness history cannot gain access to guns.

I am certain that the police and authorities will continue to do excellent work to help us understand the facts of this case - facts that will help us take action.

Until then, please do not feel helpless. Please find a way to take action. Join an organization that is actively pursuing solutions. And if you feel so inclined, please join us as we fight at WhitneyStrong.org.