National Gun Violence Awareness Day

In reflection of National Gun Violence Prevention Day, I’d like to share my thoughts on gun violence in our country and my beliefs on a path forward. I’ve proudly received a Gun Sense Candidate Distinction from Moms Demand Action, and l feel hopeful about our ability to prevent gun violence.

I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news of the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012. That day, I saw our country in a whole new light for the first time. The feeling of shock and outrage—that our nation had failed to protect first graders—has stuck with me.

14 years later, and I’ve had a lot of time to think about this issue and how it can be solved. I want to approach gun ownership and violence from two angles: public health and freedom.

This issue is too complex to approach from a single angle. I believe we can address gun violence through both a public health lens and a respect for freedom. These don’t have to be in conflict.

I recently heard from my high school history teacher that we should approach guns the same way we approach cars in the United States: train, license, and register. We don’t allow people to drive without training, licensing or registering their vehicle. We should apply that same level of care and accountability to firearms. This is why I support universal background checks, red flag laws, and the RIFL Act; which holds firearm manufacturers, not taxpayers, responsible for the financial burden of gun-violence related injuries. Learn more here.

I’m grateful to Moms Demand Action for the distinction, and proud to stand alongside them in this work.

My heart is with every individual and family impacted by gun violence. It is also with every child who learned to hide in a classroom before they could read.

I’m running to create meaningful and lasting change, and I won’t stop until our kids are safe.