My heart is shattered, and my world turned upside down. The love of my life has tragically passed away, brutally shot 17 times by his own younger brother. We all were witness to multiple threats he made against himself and our family before the incident. Despite these clear signs, he legally possessed a firearm. This tragedy should never have happened, and I believe in my heart that it can be prevented in the future.

Current gun laws in Colorado, as in much of the United States, allow individuals to purchase and own firearms without any rigorous mental health evaluations. This creates dangerous loopholes that put everyone at risk. Gun ownership is not just a right; it is a responsibility. And part of that responsibility should include proving one is mentally fit to own and operate such a powerful weapon.

We must demand the implementation of mandatory mental health evaluations for anyone wishing to purchase a gun in Colorado. Additionally, existing gun owners should be required to periodically prove their ongoing mental fitness to continue possessing firearms. This is not just common sense; it is a necessary measure to ensure public safety and prevent tragedies like the one that took the life of my beloved.

Statistics from reputable sources show that individuals with untreated severe mental illnesses are more likely to engage in violent acts, including domestic incidents involving firearms. Studies have also shown that states with comprehensive mental health checks in their gun control measures have fewer gun-related deaths and incidents.

I urge the policymakers and legislators in Colorado to stand up for the safety of our communities. We need concrete action and legislative change to enforce mental health screening for gun ownership. Please, for the safety of our loved ones, sign this petition. Let's make sure Colorado stands as a model for responsible gun ownership and community safety.