Newtown, CT — On Friday, 49 people were killed and 48 children and adults were injured at a mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand after a heavily armed gunman opened fire during prayers at a mosque. The attack was driven by hate for Muslims and immigrants, as outlined in a manifesto left behind by the shooter, and broadcast live on Facebook.
In response to this tragedy, Sandy Hook Promise issue the following statement:
“My heart aches as we continue to see places that should be safe havens be torn apart by gun violence. Places of worship, as spiritual homes, should be among the safest places there are on this planet – just like schools should be. When this sense of safety is diminished, it hurts us all. We must unite together and commit to preventing violence every place where we expect and deserve to feel and be safe,” 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. “There are signs — like a 74-page hate manifesto and social media posts, in this case — 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.”
To date, more than 6.5 million people nationwide have been trained 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 countless school shooting plots, teen suicides, and other acts of violence.
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About Sandy Hook Promise: Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) is a national nonprofit organization based in Newtown, Connecticut. We are led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012 that claimed the lives of 20 first-graders and 6 educators. Sandy Hook Promise is focused on preventing gun violence (and all violence) BEFORE it can happen by educating and mobilizing parents, schools, and communities on mental health and wellness programs that identify, intervene, and help at-risk individuals. SHP is a moderate, above-the-politics organization that supports sensible non-policy and policy solutions that protect children and prevent gun violence. Our intent is to honor all victims of gun violence by turning our tragedy into a moment of transformation. Make the Promise at www.sandyhookpromise.org.