NEWTOWN, Conn. – A student was killed and two others were injured in a school shooting in Greensburg, Louisiana, on Tuesday afternoon. Although local officials are still gathering details, one thing is abundantly clear: this pattern of violence must come to an end.
Sandy Hook Promise, born out of the heart-wrenching loss of our own loved ones who were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary on December 14, 2012, intimately understands the enduring trauma that students, teachers, parents and the entirety of the Greensburg community will face from now on. This grim reality serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need to safeguard our schools as sanctuaries, so that every child’s educational journey is unburdened by fear, and that schools are a place where youth can truly feel safe.
In response, Nicole Hockley, co-founder and CEO of Sandy Hook Promise and mother of Dylan, who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, issued the following statement:
“Our hearts break for the families and survivors affected by this recent tragedy. In the face of such immense grief and trauma, we know that words can hardly capture the depth of these emotions. Equally frustrating is the inaction that perpetuates the ongoing crisis of gun violence in our country.
We cannot allow the sheer scale of this problem to numb us into a state of complacency and resignation. We must do everything we can to protect children, schools, and communities from this epidemic of gun violence.
“Each one of us has a role to play. Learn the warning signs. Get help when you see someone who may be in crisis. Channel your anger, fear, and concern into action: advocate for state and federal policies proven to prevent gun violence. Our kids are counting on us to keep them safe. “
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Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) envisions a future where all children are free from school shootings and other acts of violence. As a national nonprofit organization, SHP’s mission is to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities. Creators of the life-saving, evidence-informed “Know the Signs” prevention programs, SHP teaches the warning signs of someone who may be in crisis, socially isolated, or at-risk of hurting themselves or others and how to get help. SHP also advances school safety, youth mental health, and responsible gun ownership at the state and federal levels through nonpartisan policy and partnerships. SHP is led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.
Media Contact:
Aimee Thunberg | [email protected] | 646-761-5579