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Sandy Hook Promise Statement on Shooting on School Grounds in Mableton, GA

NEWTOWN, Conn. – A student at Lindley Middle School in Mableton, Georgia is in critical condition after suffering a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Local authorities stated the incident occurred on school grounds, and they are investigating how the student obtained the firearm. Law enforcement responded immediately to secure the weapon and said there was no specific threat to other students.

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: 

“This is a heartbreaking tragedy and a life-altering experience that no one should ever have to endure, especially one so young. My heart is with the injured student, their family, and the Lindley Middle School community as they process this situation and begin finding a path forward. I especially hope for a safe recovery for the student, and continued support for their ongoing wellbeing.”

“Our nation is seeing an unprecedented level of feelings of hopelessness among our young people that demands action from us all. The CDC’s most recent data shows us that 40% of high school students felt so sad or hopeless almost every day for at least two weeks in a row that they stopped doing their usual activities. That figure is more than 50% for girls.”

“That’s why it’s vital that we not only teach everyone the warning signs of violence and self-harm but also continue to work together on bipartisan legislation that expands access to mental health resources across Georgia and the United States. We must also enact policies that promote secure storage of lethal means to keep harmful substances and weapons out of the hands of children, and leverage proven programs that address social isolation and create kinder, safer schools – uplifting children by creating environments where everyone looks out for one another and feel included. Our young people need our support, now more than ever, and we must act.”

Tragically, 153 children and teens died by gun violence in Georgia and 1,033 Georgians died by suicide with firearms in 2022, the most recent year with finalized data from the CDC. For more information about the warning signs of gun violence and self-harm, along with proven violence prevention programs and policies, please visit sandyhookpromise.org. Additionally, visit our list of resources and information about how to support youth mental health.

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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:

Nick Dmitrovich | [email protected] | 203-304-9780 Ext. 279