Take Action Now: Support the Preventive Threat Elimination Act!

 

On October 25, 2023, a tragedy struck Lewiston, Maine, forever altering the lives of our community and reshaping our understanding of mass shootings. The pain of this event is still felt deeply, not just here, but across the nation. In honor of those lost and in solidarity with survivors, the Lewiston Institute was founded to address the systemic failures that continue to allow these tragedies to persist.

In response, we’ve crafted the Preventive Threat Elimination Act (PTEA), a transformative legislative proposal that seeks not only to prevent future mass shootings but also to ensure that victims, survivors, and their families receive the support and recognition they deserve.

The PTEA is grounded in statistical evidence and the collective call for action from communities across the country. Our proposed initiatives go beyond words—they are tangible steps toward a future where mass gun violence is no longer a threat to our schools, workplaces, and public spaces.

 

Key Initiatives of the PTEA:

1. Preventive Threat Elimination Act – Zero Tolerance Law

   - National Mass Shooting Threat Hotline: Establish a joint hotline, operated by the FBI, ATF, U.S. Attorney General's Office, and Federal Judges/Magistrates, with oversight by the Department of Justice. The hotline will act as a national clearinghouse for all credible mass shooting threats.

   - Federal Jurisdiction: Mandate federal jurisdiction over state-level mass shooting threats, ensuring swift coordination and response across all levels of government.

   - Zero Tolerance Reporting Standard: Enforce a Zero Tolerance Reporting Standard, requiring all states and mandatory reporters (such as schools, hospitals, and law enforcement) to report credible mass shooting threats for immediate investigation. Failure to report will result in penalties.

 

Process Overview:

   - A. Calls to the hotline are answered by FBI/ATF agents, who generate a detailed threat report.

   - B. The report is reviewed by a representative from the U.S. Attorney General’s Office, assessing the circumstances.

   - C. A Federal Judge determines whether the threat is credible.

   - D. If deemed credible, a report and arrest warrant are issued to the relevant state’s Attorney General for immediate action.

   Tactical Enforcement:

   - E. Each state will establish 2-4 tactical response teams, specially trained to apprehend individuals identified as credible threats. These teams will ensure swift and effective enforcement to prevent potential mass shootings.

Oversight provided by the Department of Justice.

 

2. National Mass Shooting Memorial in Washington, D.C.

   - Allocate $3 billion for the construction of the National Memorial.

   - Proposed Location: The northern or southern ends of the Reflecting Pool, chosen for its symbolic importance as a space for national unity and collective mourning.

   - This memorial will serve as a permanent gathering place for reflection, honoring victims and survivors, and fostering national unity against violence.

Oversight provided by the Department of Gun Violence Prevention.

 

3. Victims and Survivors Trust Fund

   - Allocate $3 billion to provide immediate and long-term financial support for victims and survivors of mass shootings.

   - The fund will cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and long-term mental health services, acknowledging that the scars of these tragedies extend far beyond physical injuries.

   - Ensure fiduciary oversight through a trusted third-party organization, ensuring transparency and efficient distribution of resources.

Oversight provided by the Department of Gun Violence Prevention.

 

4. Mass Shooting Awareness Month

   - Designate October as a month for national awareness, education, and advocacy.

   - Launch a national PSA campaign that amplifies the voices of survivors, educates the public, and promotes actionable prevention strategies.

 

5. October 25th as a Federal Holiday

   - Declare October 25th a day of national mourning and remembrance for lives lost to mass shootings across America. 

This day will serve as a rallying point for renewed action against mass gun violence.

   - On this day, communities across the country will come together to advocate for legislative change and engage in dialogue about how to end mass shootings.

 

Why It Matters 

Nearly 50% of mass shooters reveal their intentions beforehand, offering a critical window for intervention. The PTEA capitalizes on this insight with proactive measures to identify and address potential threats, preventing tragedies before they occur.

The Lewiston case tragically demonstrated this reality, where family members and others raised alarms that went unanswered. The PTEA ensures that these critical warnings are acted upon, preventing further tragedies.

America currently lacks a unified response and sufficient resources to address this ongoing crisis. The PTEA closes these gaps with practical measures and a clear commitment to change.

 

Take Action Now

Your voice can make a difference. By signing this petition, you are advocating for a safer America. Representative Jared Golden has stated he will support new legislation if it can demonstrably prevent mass shootings. Let him know that the PTEA meets this standard.

Contact Representative Jared Golden

Email: info@jaredgoldenforcongress.com

Call: (207) 358-0483

Ask him to back this legislation to honor Lewiston’s victims and protect future generations.

Contact Your Representatives

Urge your state and federal representatives to take a stand against mass shootings and support this critical legislation.

Remember, your voice matters. By signing and sharing this petition, you are supporting a safer, more compassionate America. You’ll be encouraging lawmakers to champion the Preventive Threat Elimination Act and its life-saving initiatives.

Together, we can honor those we’ve lost, protect future generations, and ensure that survivors receive the acknowledgment and support they deserve.

 

Spread Awareness

Share our message using #PTEA #EndGunViolenceNow #GunRefomNow on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to help amplify our cause.

Let’s build a future where no community must endure the pain of mass gun violence.

Please sign this petition and join the movement today!