Newtown, CT — On Thursday, four men, two women, and one teenager were killed in a shooting at a residence in Valhermoso Springs, Alabama.
In response to this tragedy, Sandy Hook Promise issued the following statement: “My heart aches for yet another community grieving lives taken too soon by a horrific mass shooting. I hope the investigation leads to the shooter being captured as soon as possible, so that the hard work of healing can begin,” said Nicole Hockley, co-founder and managing director of Sandy Hook Promise, and mother of Dylan, who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. “As our nation begins reopening after months of social distancing, we cannot accept the return of mass shootings as normal. We must stay vigilant for any warning signs that point to increased potential violence and intervene to get help before a tragedy like this can happen.”
To date, more than 12 million people nationwide have participated in Sandy Hook Promise’s proven Know the Signs programs that focus on prevention to help end the epidemic of gun violence by training youth and adults how to identify at-risk behavior and intervene to get help before a tragedy can occur. Through these no-cost programs, Sandy Hook Promise has averted multiple school shooting plots, teen suicides, and countless other acts of violence.
###
About Sandy Hook Promise: Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) is a national nonprofit organization based in Newtown, Connecticut. 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. SHP’s mission is to create a culture engaged in preventing shootings, violence, and other harmful acts in schools. Through its proven Know the Signs programs, SHP educates and empowers youth and adults to recognize, intervene, and get help for individuals who may be socially isolated and/or at risk of hurting themselves or others. SHP is a moderate, above-the-politics organization that supports sensible program and policy solutions that address the “human side” of gun violence by preventing individuals from ever getting to the point of picking up a firearm to hurt themselves or others. Our words, actions, and impact nationwide are intended to honor all victims of gun violence by turning our tragedy into a moment of transformation. Make the Promise at www.sandyhookpromise.org.
Media Contact:
Aimee Thunberg | [email protected] | 646.761.5579