NEWTOWN, Conn. — One person was killed, and 24 others wounded early Sunday morning in a shooting in Akron, Ohio during an annual street party. What should have been a joyous event was disrupted by the senseless violence that continues to fuel the country’s gun violence epidemic. Throughout the weekend, several communities were affected by gun violence, including at a bar in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and in the parking lot just outside of a party in Louisville, Kentucky.
In response, Nicole Hockley, co-founder and co-CEO of Sandy Hook Promise and mother of Dylan, who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, issued the following statement:
“Within each of these devastating stories are loved ones — friends and family members — whose lives will be forever altered because of gun violence and the enduring trauma experienced in these communities. Our thoughts are with each of the families affected by these tragic events.”
“No one should have to be fearful of gun violence when going about their lives – from enjoying casual gatherings to celebrating special occasions together. We all must play our part in saving lives and advocating for a safer future free from gun violence, whether it’s learning the warning signs of violence or demanding elected officials take action to enact legislation that makes prevention a priority.”
Currently, Ohio lacks critical gun safety laws including enhanced background checks, secure storage, and temporary transfer measures. These laws have been proven to prevent gun violence, and we urge elected officials to prioritize passing these laws to protect communities from the anguish of having loved ones taken.
Sandy Hook Promise urges all adults to advocate for sensible policy that can prevent gun violence and save lives. To learn more about how you can help, visit: https://www.sandyhookpromise.org///take-action/get-involved/.
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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.
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