Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords Statement on the 20th Anniversary of the Shooting at Columbine High School
April 17, 2019 — Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, the leader of the gun violence prevention organization Giffords, released the following statement ahead of the 20th anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, which will be marked on Saturday, April 20,
Earlier today, terrifying news was once again reported out of Colorado, this time about an 18-year-old woman, who was infatuated with the Columbine school shooting. The young woman flew to Colorado from Florida earlier this week and immediately purchased a shotgun and ammunition. After sparking a massive manhunt, and causing hundreds of schools across the state to close, she took her own life.
Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords:
“Twenty years ago what happened at Columbine caused our world to stand still. Our hearts broke as students shared stories of running from gunmen. Parents grieved and dealt with the unthinkable horror of never being able to welcome a child home from school again. Their loss was our loss. Their pain, our pain. Twenty years on we have not forgotten. For many in Colorado, it is a trauma that will never go away.
“Twenty years on, gun violence has become a sad part of our daily reality. Today’s students don’t know an America before Columbine. They are raised in an era where active shooter drills are just a routine part of the school year and fear of being shot weighs heavy on their minds. This week, we remember the victims of this school—and all gun violence tragedies. We will never stop fighting for all those who have been hurt by this crisis. Until they act we will never let politicians ignore America’s call for safety. ”
Related Resources from Giffords:
- Blog: What’s Changed Since Columbine : This blog post examines major changes that have happened in the United States since the Columbine attack.
- Report: The Truth About School Shootings: This report seeks to dispel dangerous myths about school shootings and what can and should be done about them.
- Report: 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.