Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords Reflects on Anniversary of Parkland Shooting
February 14, 2019 — Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, co-founder of the gun violence prevention organization Giffords, issued the following statement marking the first anniversary of the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School:
Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords:
“We will never forget the way we felt one year ago, when we learned the news of another horrific mass shooting, this time at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Even though we talk about it frequently, it still feels impossible to comprehend the fact that 17 people went to school that day and never returned home that evening. Fourteen students would never celebrate another birthday with their families, never graduate high school. Three coaches and teachers would never mentor another student, never make it to another practice.
“We will never accept these tragic acts of violence as normal in our society. Our children should go to school to learn—not to hide under desks and text their parents goodbye. No child, regardless of the neighborhood they grew up in, should live in fear of gun violence. No community should have to wrestle with the grief gun violence brings. Yet, since the tragedy in Parkland, more than 1,000 children in our country have been killed by guns. Every American should be devastated by this reality. Every American should be fighting for solutions.
“We will never stop demanding that our leaders listen to the youngest generation and take long overdue action to keep our children safe. When the students of Parkland bravely took a stand to call for change, we stood by their side. America marched with them for a safer future and voted with them to elect more leaders with courage. We can solve this problem. We can protect our kids in their classrooms, in their neighborhoods, and in their homes. We will honor with action the lives that were lost and we’ll never stop fighting until a safer future is realized.
Never again.”
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Related Reports from Giffords Law Center
- The Truth About School Shootings : This report seeks to dispel dangerous myths about school shootings and what can and should be done about them.. le.The report offers concrete recommendations for evidence-based policies that will ensure all of our students make it safely home from school.
- Protecting the Next Generation : This report examines the life-altering implications for the children who witness or survive shootings, particularly with regard to their mental health.
Experts Available for Comment. To arrange an interview with a gun law or law enforcement expert, please email media@giffords.org.
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