In light of the grief and personal turmoil that many families endure due to the tragic loss of young lives to gun violence, including unimaginably painful experiences in my own community, I am earnestly pushing for change. Gun deaths are a painful reality in the United States. More than 30,000 people fall victim to firearms annually in the U.S. and a significant proportion of these victims are below 21 years of age, indicating the urgent need for reform in our gun laws (Source: CDC - National Center for Health Statistics)

Disturbingly, gun violence has been noted as the second leading cause of death for American children and adolescents (Source: The American Academy of Pediatrics). At the age of 18, when individuals are still maturing and discovering themselves, allowing them unrestricted access to firearms can place them and their peers at unnecessary risk.

It's high time we rise against this imminent threat to our children's safety and wellbeing. By raising the legal age to purchase firearms from 18 to 21, we can greatly reduce this threat, ensuring more secure futures and decreased gun violence rates. Not only would 18- to 21-year-olds still be allowed to use firearms for hunting, sport, and self-defense under adult supervision, the primary aim is creating a safer socio-environment for the country's youth by minimizing impulsive decisions leading to tragic consequences.

Stand with me. Stand for a safer, healthier America for our children. Stand to ensure that more birthdays are celebrated and more lives are lived to the fullest. Please, sign this petition and join the call to raise the legal age for firearm purchases to 21.