We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims of the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, on September 4, 2024. The loss of two dedicated teachers and two bright, promising students has left an indelible mark on the hearts of Georgia and the nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected, including the nine injured victims, who we hope to experience a swift recovery.

This horrific event has devastated families and shattered the sense of safety that schools should provide. We stand in solidarity with the students, faculty, and families as they begin the long process of healing. But condolences alone are not enough.

As we grieve, we must also act.

In 2024, the United States has suffered at least 385 mass shootings, an average of more than one and a half shootings per day. This growing epidemic of gun violence demands bold and immediate action from our national leaders to ensure that no family, no school, and no community has to endure this pain again.

In the wake of this heartbreaking tragedy, we call for urgent and comprehensive national reforms that will address the root causes of gun violence and make our country safer for everyone.

We Demand the Following National Actions:

Ban on Assault Weapons and High-Capacity Magazines: Assault weapons and high-capacity magazines- designed for combat- should not be available to civilians. These weapons have been used repeatedly in mass shootings, allowing perpetrators to inflict devastating harm in a matter of seconds. We urge Congress to pass a federal ban on these weapons and accessories to prevent future mass tragedies.

Universal Background Checks: The loopholes that allow gun purchases without background checks—such as those at gun shows or through private sales—must be closed. Sellers should not sell a firearm without a comprehensive background check. We call for universal background checks to ensure these weapons are not in the hands of those with violent criminal histories or mental health concerns that could pose a threat.

Mandatory Safe Storage Laws: School shootings often occur with guns taken from the home. We call for federal legislation mandating the safe storage of firearms, which would require all gun owners to store their firearms securely, preventing unauthorized access by children or individuals at risk of harm.

National Red Flag Laws: Red flag laws empower courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed dangerous to themselves or others. If such laws had been in place, this tragedy—and many others—might have been prevented. We urge Congress to implement national red flag laws that allow for intervention before violence occurs.

Increased Funding for Mental Health Services: Gun violence is a complex issue that often intersects with mental health crises. The federal government must provide substantial funding for mental health services in schools and communities, ensuring that students and others in need can access care before mental health challenges escalate into violence. This funding must prioritize early intervention programs and hiring qualified mental health professionals in schools nationwide.

Enough is Enough:

This tragedy is not just a local issue; it reflects a national crisis that politicians must address with decisive federal action. Our schools should be safe places of learning, not battlefields. Our children should not have to grow up in fear, and families should not have to mourn loved ones lost to senseless violence.

We demand that Congress and the President work together, setting aside political differences to pass meaningful gun reform and invest in mental health services. The time for inaction has passed. We must honor the lives lost by taking tangible, bold steps to prevent future tragedies.

In memory of those we have lost and in the name of all who deserve a safer future, we urge you to act now.