A recent incident shook our community to its core—a 16-year-old high school student was charged with multiple counts of criminal possession of a weapon, making a terroristic threat and other crimes for allegedly posting to social media on September 18 that he would “shoot the school up.” at our school. This terrifying event highlighted an urgent issue: the ease with which minors can access firearms. In light of this, I am calling on New York legislators to take decisive action to safeguard our children from the dangers of firearms.

Statistics underscore the gravity of this situation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), firearms are the second-leading cause of death among American children and adolescents. Each year, hundreds of minors gain access to guns, resulting in tragic, preventable incidents. This is not just a statistic; it's a reality many families across New York and the nation face.

Our goal is clear: implement stringent laws that prevent minors from easily accessing firearms and hold accountable the adults who supply them. Legislation must focus on secure gun storage requirements and fortifying background checks, especially for private sales where loopholes often allow firearms to fall into the wrong hands.

Furthermore, public education campaigns and community workshops should be promoted to raise awareness about gun safety and the risks of firearms in homes with children. Law enforcement agencies need more resources to track and prevent illegal firearm distributions to minors.

Now is the time for New York to take a stand against gun-related tragedies among our youth. Protecting our children must be a priority, ensuring they feel safe at school and within their communities.

Please join me in urging our lawmakers to enact laws that will protect our children and hold adults accountable. Sign this petition to demand action and help pave the way for a safer, more secure future for our youth and community.