From the moment I heard about the tragic shooting at the Las Vegas music festival, an overwhelming sense of déjà vu washed over me. I woke up to the news that 58 innocent lives had been taken, leaving a ripple of devastation that would touch countless families. I know all too well how this day will unfold for many of you, as I have walked a similar path.
Just 492 days prior, I received devastating news of my own—a mass shooting at a nightclub in Orlando claimed my son, Jake, among the 49 others that night. The ache of losing him is a weight I carry every day. I can never again hear his laughter, feel his embrace, or share in the unique bond we had. His life was stolen by an individual fueled by hatred, who had easy access to a firearm.
People often say to me, “I can’t even begin to imagine…” and those words will soon be echoed to you. They truly cannot fathom the depth of our pain, and I wish they could. If only everyone could grasp the heartbreak that we endure daily, perhaps we would finally find the resolve to enact the changes necessary to prevent such tragedies.
My heart aches for all those embarking on this harrowing journey—the injured who must rebuild their lives, the traumatized who will forever bear the scars of that night, and you, the loved ones left with an indescribable emptiness. I find myself asking, how many more lives must we lose? How many more families must suffer before we find the courage to implement the policy changes needed to bring about an end to this violence?
Is It Acceptable to Live in Fear?
Is it acceptable to live in fear of being killed while going about our daily lives—whether at the grocery store, a movie theater, a mall, a school, a nightclub, or a concert? This is not normal, and it doesn’t have to be our reality! The gun homicide rate in our nation is 25 times higher than that of other developed countries. This crisis is distinctly American. While the shooting in Las Vegas is a heartbreaking tragedy, it is compounded by the ongoing cycle of gun violence we face every day.
We must reject the notion that “thoughts and prayers” are sufficient. They do not do justice to what we have lost, nor do they honor those we will continue to lose unless we demand an end to gun violence.
The Time for Mourning is Over
Some leaders insist that this is a time for mourning, not for discussing policies. But I argue that it’s far too late for that. I have been mourning since Columbine, Aurora, Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook, San Bernardino, and now, I grieve with you, who have lost friends, children, partners, siblings, or parents in this senseless act. We cannot afford to wait any longer; we have already lost far too many beloved lives. A single loss is too many!
This is a pivotal moment. For years, the gun lobby and their allies in Congress have pushed a “guns everywhere” agenda. Just this week, they attempted to weaken laws surrounding the use and purchase of silencers. Imagine the chaos if those in attendance at the concert, and the first responders, had not been able to hear the gunfire.
Moreover, there are efforts to push “concealed carry reciprocity,” which threatens to undermine state gun laws. This legislation does not create a national standard for who can carry a concealed weapon; instead, it forces states to accept the concealed carry laws of others, even if they have no standards, as seen in states like Idaho and Arizona.
Yet, many leaders prioritize the profits of gun manufacturers over community safety. It’s time we demand that they consider us, our safety, and that of our loved ones. To the parents of the 58, I stand with you in your grief. I understand your pain, and I want you to know that millions across the country support you, and we are here to help honor the lives of your children.
Join the Fight Against Gun Violence
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Conclusion
In conclusion, we must demand action and accountability from our elected officials. It is time to ACT and seek the change needed to honor every life we have lost.