Newtown, CT — The last seven days of 2019 have been the deadliest for mass shooting deaths in our country recently, claiming the lives of 33 people and leaving more than 80 people injured, some of whom are fighting for their lives. The victims were going about their daily lives, celebrating at outdoor festivals, shopping, out on a Saturday evening. They range in age from 2 to 82 years old. Sandy Hook Promise grieves with the families, communities, and our country, as this week has become another in the “new normal” of gun violence in the United States.
As communities everywhere report feeling helpless, Sandy Hook Promise urges people to recognize that knowing the signs and saying something if one suspects someone is planning an act of violence are proven ways we can prevent further heartbreak. According to the Department of Homeland Security report on Mass Attacks in Public Spaces, more than 75% of mass shooters have let people know of their plans, including posting about them on social media.
In response to this tragedy, Sandy Hook Promise issue the following statement:
“My heart aches as we continue to see communities torn apart by mass shootings. It is critical to know that there are signs — like a hate manifesto, social media posts, and notable fascination with guns — that point to increased potential for violence. We must stay vigilant and say something when we see these warning signals. Our safety lies in our commitment to protecting one another,” 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.
“The more we know the signs and who to tell when we see or hear them, the more successful we can be in stopping violence before it can begin,” Hockley continued. “Sandy Hook Promise’s programs have helped stop school shootings, suicides, and other planned acts of violence because people knew what to look for. We urge communities to come together to have these life-saving discussions.”
To date, more than 7.5 million people nationwide have been trained in Sandy Hook Promise’s proven Know the Signs programs that focus on gun violence prevention 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 prevent gun violence and other forms of violence and victimization BEFORE they can happen by creating a culture of engaged youth and adults committed to identifying, intervening, and getting help for individuals who might be 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.