John, it’s been a week. The news struck early Sunday morning of the tragedy in Dadeville, AL. Then we learned of Ralph Yarl. Then it was Kaylin Gillis. Then, before we even had time to release this newsletter, two Texas cheerleaders were shot, with one sustaining critical injuries, after mistakenly getting into the wrong car.

This Saturday alone, we saw seven mass shootings. The most mass shootings in a day so far this year.

Gun violence is tragic, heartbreaking, and traumatizing. We can’t acknowledge one shooting without clarifying which we are referring to. The “latest” tragedy no longer suffices when referencing this epidemic. Before we have time to respond to one shooting, it seems as though another has occurred. 

We know you’re exhausted. We’re right there with you in the pain and fear and doubt. We all deserve to feel safe going to the grocery store or our church or a movie theater or watching our kids walk into school. A birthday party is no place for a mass shooting.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve walked up to the wrong house by mistake. I’ve accidentally pulled into the incorrect driveway. Neither of these warrants being shot. The epidemic of gun violence is growing and we cannot put an end to it without your help. 

Today, we are not asking for your money or asking you to add your name to a petition. Instead, we want to invite you to share your story with us. If you or someone you love is a gun violence survivor, please consider submitting your unique lived experience so that we can continue combating the stigma surrounding this societal epidemic.

Thank you for your vulnerability and presence in this fight, 

Tremayne Edwards (he/him) 

ALLIANCE FOR GUN RESPONSIBILITY
P.O. Box 4187 Seattle, WA 98194

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